CaliforniaPop. 91,483Smaller cities
Is South Gate a Good Place to Live? South Gate, California: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
South Gate ranks #1161 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #480 of 524 smaller cities and #158 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on long commutes (32.5 min, #466 of 524) and a shrinking population (-0.6%, #415 of 468).
South Gate by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with South Gate's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in South Gate?
South Gate's cost of living index is 113.6, 14% above the US level of 100 and #1185 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,531/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $692,930, 9% below the typical California home ($764,158).
| Measure | South Gate | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 113.6#1185 of 1,308 | 113 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home value (Zillow)Zillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $692,930#1007 of 1,187 | $764,158 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rent (Zillow)Zillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $2,228/mo#808 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $636,300#1106 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,531/mo#741 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 8.5x#1238 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 24.6%#961 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
South Gate housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. South Gate is in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA metro.
California housing market →Is South Gate safe?
South Gate recorded 475 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 27% above the US rate of 373 and 8% above California's 440. That ranks #804 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #354 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by South Gate Police Department. Property crime runs 3,287 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | South Gate | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 373 | 475#804 of 1,083 | 440 | 264 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,553 · US 2,083 | 3,287#985 of 1,083 | 2,490 | 1,553 | 2,083 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in South Gate?
The median household in South Gate earns $74,571, 3% below the US figure of $76,827 and 19% below California ($91,905). Unemployment is 5.3% (US 4.2%). 12.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | South Gate | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $76,827 | $74,571#715 of 1,312 | $91,905 | $83,646 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 5.3%#896 of 1,058 | 5.4% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 12.7%#712 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.8% | -0.6%#988 of 1,132 | +0.2% | +0.2% | +0.8% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in South Gate?
The median resident of South Gate is 36.3 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 11.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1298 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 45.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | South Gate | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 36.3 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 11.3%#1298 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 45.3% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are South Gate's schools and health?
South Gate's 25 public schools graduate 80.4% of students in four years (California 85%), with 20.8 students per teacher and $22,171 spent per pupil. 31% of adults are obese and 13.8% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | South Gate | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 80.4%#873 of 1,063 | 85% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 20.8#971 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $22,171#114 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 31%#457 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 13.8%#1056 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 18%#857 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 23.2%#1250 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 16,799 students are enrolled in South Gate's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in South Gate?
The average commute in South Gate is 32.5 minutes (California 25.2); 3.8% of workers take transit and 7% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index South Gate scores 13.6 of 20 (above average walkable), #225 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 72.4°F and winters 58.4°F, with 14.3 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | South Gate | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 32.5 min#1211 of 1,312 | 25.2 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 14.4%#1209 of 1,312 | 11.9% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 69.6% | 68.4% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 3.8% | 3.6% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1.9% | 2.4% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.1% | 0.7% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 7% | 13.6% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 13.6#225 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 68 | 48.9 | 3.3 |
| Feb | 68 | 50 | 3.6 |
| Mar | 69.9 | 52.4 | 2.2 |
| Apr | 72.4 | 54.8 | 0.7 |
| May | 73.7 | 58.1 | 0.3 |
| Jun | 77.2 | 61.4 | 0.1 |
| Jul | 82 | 64.7 | 0 |
| Aug | 84 | 65.4 | 0 |
| Sep | 83 | 64.2 | 0.1 |
| Oct | 78.6 | 59.9 | 0.6 |
| Nov | 72.9 | 53.1 | 0.8 |
| Dec | 67.4 | 48.2 | 2.5 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Los Angeles Downtown/Usc.
| Measure | South Gate | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 65.8°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 72.4°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 58.4°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 14.3 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Los Angeles Downtown/Usc.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in South Gate?
Los Angeles County's air had a median air quality index of 74, and 11% of measured days were rated good; 98 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Los Angeles County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, inland flooding, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.39% of building value, higher than 93% of US counties.
| Measure | South Gate | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 74#1066 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 98#1066 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.39%#1172 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Los Angeles County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Los Angeles County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.17% | 99% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.16% | 93% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0098% | 84% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does South Gate compare with similar-size cities?
South Gate is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #480 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 91,483.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Gate, CAPop. 91,483 | #1161 | 46.4 | $74,571 | $1,531/mo | 475 | 32.5 min |
| Kirkland, WAPop. 92,621 | #57 | 70.3 | $150,414 | $2,401/mo | 67 | 23.9 min |
| Roswell, GAPop. 92,621 | #73 | 69.2 | $128,654 | $1,810/mo | 111 | 26.9 min |
| Avondale, AZPop. 92,477 | #666 | 55.6 | $86,123 | $1,832/mo | 341 | 28.1 min |
| Alafaya, FLPop. 92,449 | #570 | 57.0 | $100,950 | $1,999/mo | no data | 31.1 min |
| Norwalk, CTPop. 92,187 | #135 | 67.0 | $107,616 | $2,073/mo | 50 | 27.1 min |
| Nashua, NHPop. 91,294 | #248 | 63.2 | $96,326 | $1,737/mo | 110 | 26 min |
| Germantown, MDPop. 90,719 | #123 | 67.5 | $117,546 | $2,040/mo | no data | 30.8 min |
| Lawton, OKPop. 90,595 | #1244 | 42.7 | $54,433 | $967/mo | 769 | 16.2 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does South Gate compare with the rest of California?
South Gate ranks #158 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 46.4 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 19% below the California median. Violent crime is 8% above the statewide rate. Homes are 9% below the typical California home.
| City | Rank in CA | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Palo Alto, CAPop. 67,237 | #1 | 70.9 | $231,101 | $3,484/mo | 159 |
| Sunnyvale, CAPop. 154,236 | #2 | 69.3 | $186,170 | $3,039/mo | 188 |
| Cupertino, CAPop. 58,566 | #3 | 68.3 | $234,707 | $3,501/mo | 70 |
| Santa Clara, CAPop. 130,256 | #4 | 68.1 | $178,958 | $3,016/mo | 172 |
| Folsom, CAPop. 83,916 | #5 | 68.0 | $139,804 | $2,352/mo | 161 |
| San Mateo, CAPop. 103,105 | #6 | 67.1 | $153,504 | $3,077/mo | 168 |
| Dublin, CAPop. 70,803 | #7 | 66.5 | $214,385 | $3,191/mo | 146 |
| Pleasanton, CAPop. 76,960 | #8 | 65.2 | $190,124 | $3,060/mo | 123 |
| Mountain View, CAPop. 83,732 | #9 | 65.1 | $189,917 | $3,062/mo | 208 |
| Encinitas, CAPop. 61,480 | #10 | 65.1 | $162,229 | $2,886/mo | 108 |
| National City, CAPop. 58,893 | … #154 | 47.4 | $66,841 | $1,692/mo | 637 |
| Richmond, CAPop. 115,505 | #155 | 47.2 | $95,391 | $1,960/mo | 814 |
| Modesto, CAPop. 219,215 | #156 | 47.1 | $79,891 | $1,690/mo | 587 |
| Paramount, CAPop. 52,050 | #157 | 47.1 | $75,250 | $1,875/mo | 641 |
| South Gate, CAPop. 91,483 | #158 | 46.4 | $74,571 | $1,531/mo | 475 |
| San Jacinto, CAPop. 55,180 | #159 | 46.4 | $80,647 | $1,615/mo | 319 |
| Oakland, CAPop. 439,418 | #160 | 46.3 | $101,600 | $1,979/mo | 1,475 |
| Tulare, CAPop. 70,945 | #161 | 46.3 | $72,410 | $1,435/mo | 477 |
| Pomona, CAPop. 147,943 | #162 | 46.0 | $79,479 | $1,810/mo | 645 |
The top 10 of the 188 and the cities ranked either side of South Gate among the California cities we track, by overall score. California statewide: median income $91,905, violent crime 440 per 100,000.
How is South Gate's score calculated?
South Gate scores 46.4 out of 100, #1161 of 1,312 (grade D, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with California's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in South Gate. Similar-size median 55.5.
44.9 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by South Gate's police agency. Similar-size median 77.6.
52.9 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in South Gate. Similar-size median 58.9.
51.7 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in South Gate's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
54.3 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
South Gate's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
44.3 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in South Gate. Similar-size median 56.1.
49.2 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in South Gate. Similar-size median 42.4.
30.6 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in South Gate. Similar-size median 50.0.
35.9 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across South Gate's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
66.3 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
3.5 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: South Gate's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories South Gate has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in South Gate
Is South Gate, CA a good place to live?
South Gate ranks #1161 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #480 of 524 smaller cities and #158 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on long commutes (32.5 min, #466 of 524) and a shrinking population (-0.6%, #415 of 468).
What is the cost of living in South Gate?
South Gate's cost of living index is 113.6, 14% above the US level of 100 and #1185 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,531/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $692,930, 9% below the typical California home ($764,158).
What is the crime rate in South Gate?
South Gate recorded 475 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 27% above the US rate of 373 and 8% above California's 440. That ranks #804 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #354 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by South Gate Police Department. Property crime runs 3,287 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in South Gate?
The median household in South Gate earns $74,571, 3% below the US figure of $76,827 and 19% below California ($91,905). Unemployment is 5.3% (US 4.2%). 12.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in South Gate?
Median rent in South Gate is $1,531/mo (Census), #741 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,228/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 24.6% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in South Gate?
Zillow's typical home value in South Gate is $692,930, up 2.1% in a year, against $764,158 for California and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $636,300.
How are the public schools in South Gate?
South Gate's 25 public schools graduate 80.4% of students in four years (California 85%), with 20.8 students per teacher and $22,171 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in South Gate?
The average commute is 32.5 minutes, #1211 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.2 minutes across California. 14.4% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in South Gate?
South Gate averages 65.8°F over the year, 72.4°F in summer and 58.4°F in winter, with 14.3 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is South Gate walkable?
South Gate scores 13.6 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #225 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is South Gate at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Los Angeles County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, inland flooding, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.39% of building value, higher than 93% of US counties.
How is the air quality in South Gate?
Los Angeles County's air had a median air quality index of 74, and 11% of measured days were rated good; 98 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in South Gate?
South Gate has 91,483 residents. The median resident of South Gate is 36.3 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 11.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1298 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 45.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does South Gate compare with the rest of California?
South Gate ranks #158 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 46.4 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 19% below the California median. Violent crime is 8% above the statewide rate. Homes are 9% below the typical California home.
What cities are similar in size to South Gate?
The tracked cities in other states closest to South Gate's population of 91,483 are Kirkland, WA (#57 overall), Roswell, GA (#73 overall), Avondale, AZ (#666 overall), Alafaya, FL (#570 overall), and Norwalk, CT (#135 overall). South Gate is #1161.