Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Bell Gardens, CA
Considering a move to Bell Gardens, CA? Home to nearly 40,000 residents, Bell Gardens offers an affordable rental market with average 2-bedroom rents around $1,650 and a median home price near $570,000. The city enjoys a mild, sunny Southern California climate with 73% sunny days each year and short winters. While property and violent crime rates are higher than national averages, the community is vibrant and diverse, with many Spanish-speaking households, a young median age, and quick commutes to Los Angeles. Local schools and nearby colleges provide educational options for families and students alike.
Demographics - Bell Gardens, CA
Demographics - Bell Gardens, CA
Bell Gardens is a densely populated city of about 39,600 residents, characterized by a young median age of 30 and a nearly even gender split. The community is highly diverse, with over 85% of residents speaking a language other than English at home and a large Hispanic population. This creates a vibrant, multicultural atmosphere ideal for those seeking a dynamic urban environment.
Population:
39,629
Density:
10,300 per sq mi
Median Age:
30.0
Gender Ratio:
99 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
85.0%
Ethnic Composition
White:
7.5%
Black:
0.7%
Asian:
0.8%
Others:
91.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Bell Gardens, CA?
The cost of living in Bell Gardens is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 136.4. Median home values are around $570,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,650, making housing the largest local expense. Utilities and transportation costs are moderate, while state taxes range widely depending on income.
Median House Value:
$570,000
Gross Rent:
$1,650
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$2,100
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,700
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$650
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
136.4
Grocery:
114.2
Housing:
166.0
Utilities:
102.0
Transportation:
134.0
Health Care:
108.0
Miscellaneous:
107.0
Crime
Is Bell Gardens, CA a safe place to live?
Bell Gardens experiences crime rates above the national average, with a chance of property crime at 1 in 45 and violent crime at 1 in 212. While safety is a consideration, many residents find the city’s active community and local resources contribute to a sense of neighborhood resilience. Staying informed and taking standard precautions can help residents feel secure.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
471
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,210
Crime Index:
2,681
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 212
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 45
Weather
What is the weather like in Bell Gardens, CA year-round?
Residents of Bell Gardens enjoy a classic Southern California climate, with mild winters, warm summers, and about 73% sunny days each year. Average temperatures range from winter lows in the mid-40s to summer highs nearing 90°F, making outdoor activities possible year-round. Annual rainfall is moderate, offering a comfortable environment for families and professionals alike.
Winter
Min:
45°F
Max:
68°F
Spring
Min:
50°F
Max:
75°F
Summer
Min:
63°F
Max:
89°F
Fall
Min:
55°F
Max:
78°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
15.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
73%
Neighbors
Bell Gardens is a hardworking community, with a median household income of about $49,200 and a poverty rate of 22.7%. Most households speak a language other than English, and about half of adults have completed high school or higher. Commute times average around 33 minutes, and public transportation is available for residents who need it.
Median Income:
$18,800
Household Income:
$49,200
Family Income:
$46,700
Per Capita Income:
$13,100
Income Male:
$25,500
Income Female:
$23,200
Poverty Rate:
22.7%
Non English Speakers:
85.0%
Rent:
$1,650
Unemployment Rate:
7.0%
Public Transport Usage:
5.8%
Commute Time:
33.1 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
49.5%
Bachelors or More:
6.9%
Education
How are the schools in Bell Gardens, CA?
Families in Bell Gardens benefit from several public and private schools, including Bell Gardens High School and St. Gertrude the Great School, along with easy access to higher education at East Los Angeles College just 5 miles away. Student-teacher ratios are typical for the region, supporting a well-rounded learning environment. The city’s educational options make it a practical choice for students of all ages.
Public Schools
Name:
Bell Gardens High School
Street:
6119 Agra St
Phone:
562-927-1319
Students:
2,400
Student Teacher Ratio:
24.9
Name:
Suva Intermediate School
Street:
6660 E. Suva St
Phone:
562-806-5400
Students:
950
Student Teacher Ratio:
23.0
Private Schools
Name:
St. Gertrude the Great School
Street:
7025 Garfield Ave
Phone:
562-927-1216
Students:
210
Colleges
Name:
East Los Angeles College
City:
Monterey Park
State:
CA
Distance:
5 miles
Students:
33,000
Name:
California State University, Los Angeles
City:
Los Angeles
State:
CA
Distance:
10 miles
Students:
27,000
Healthcare
Healthcare in Bell Gardens is accessible, with two major hospitals nearby and a physician rate of 2.5 per 1,000 residents. About 85% of locals have health insurance, ensuring most families can get the care they need. Emergency services and general medical facilities are close at hand for added peace of mind.
Major Hospitals
Name:
PIH Health Hospital - Downey
Address:
11500 Brookshire Ave, Downey, CA 90241
Phone:
(562) 904-5000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Adventist Health White Memorial
Address:
1720 Cesar E Chavez Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90033
Phone:
(323) 268-5000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
85.0%
Health Care Index:
79.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Bell Gardens, CA?
The Bell Gardens housing market is primarily rental-focused, with only about a quarter of homes owner-occupied and a low vacancy rate of 2.8%. Median home prices sit at $570,000, and rents remain relatively affordable by Los Angeles County standards. The area has modest home appreciation and stable housing availability, making it appealing for renters and first-time buyers.
Median Home Price:
$570,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,650
Owner Occupied Rate:
25.7%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
2.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.7%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Bell Gardens residents are served by the California Department of Motor Vehicles, with a convenient office located in nearby Bellflower. All standard DMV services, including licensing and registration, are available both in person and online. For more information or to schedule appointments, locals can visit the official California DMV website.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
9520 E. Artesia Blvd, Bellflower, CA 90706
Phone:
1-800-777-0133
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.