Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Gardena, CA
Considering a move to Gardena, CA? Home to nearly 60,000 residents, Gardena boasts a diverse community and a sunny Southern California climate, with 73% of days bright and clear each year. The median home price is around $715,000, and average rents hover near $2,150, reflecting the high cost of living typical for the LA area. Commute times average about 29 minutes, and schools offer a mix of public and private options nearby. While crime rates are above national averages, the city is rich in cultural diversity and offers easy access to beaches, transit, and job opportunities.
Demographics - Gardena, CA
Demographics - Gardena, CA
Gardena is a culturally diverse city of nearly 60,000 residents, with significant Asian, Black, and Hispanic populations contributing to its rich community fabric. The median age is around 39, and nearly 44% of residents speak a language other than English at home, creating a vibrant multicultural environment. High population density supports a lively, urban feel with a balanced gender ratio.
Population:
59,824
Density:
10,400 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.1
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
43.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
9.7%
Black:
23.2%
Asian:
27.8%
Others:
39.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Gardena, CA?
Living in Gardena comes with a higher-than-average cost of living, with a median home value of $715,000 and typical rents around $2,150 per month. Everyday expenses like groceries and transportation are also above national averages, reflecting the city’s proximity to Los Angeles. Property taxes are relatively low, but state income taxes can be significant for higher earners.
Median House Value:
$715,000
Gross Rent:
$2,150
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$2,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$3,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$900
State Taxes:
Low:
1% (property tax)
|
High:
13.3% (income tax)
Cost Of Living Index:
156.2
Grocery:
113.1
Housing:
217.0
Utilities:
96.7
Transportation:
134.5
Health Care:
104.2
Miscellaneous:
109.5
Crime
Is Gardena, CA a safe place to live?
Gardena experiences higher crime rates than the national average, with a 1 in 231 chance of being a victim of violent crime and a 1 in 47 chance for property crime. While this may be a consideration for newcomers, the city continues to work on community safety initiatives. Residents should stay informed and take standard precautions to ensure peace of mind.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
432
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,148
Crime Index:
2,580
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 231
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 47
Weather
What is the weather like in Gardena, CA year-round?
Gardena enjoys a classic Southern California climate, offering mild winters and warm summers, with temperatures typically ranging from the high 40s to low 80s. Residents benefit from about 73% sunny days each year and receive an average of 16 inches of rainfall annually. The pleasant weather makes outdoor activities accessible year-round.
Winter
Min:
48°F
Max:
68°F
Spring
Min:
53°F
Max:
73°F
Summer
Min:
63°F
Max:
82°F
Fall
Min:
56°F
Max:
76°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
16.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
73%
Neighbors
Households in Gardena have a median income of just over $61,000, with a poverty rate of about 15% and an average commute time of 29 minutes. The community is marked by a high level of linguistic diversity and educational attainment, as over 80% of residents have completed high school. Public transportation is used by a small percentage, reflecting the area's car-centric lifestyle.
Median Income:
$34,600
Household Income:
$61,325
Family Income:
$70,500
Per Capita Income:
$29,900
Income Male:
$38,500
Income Female:
$33,100
Poverty Rate:
14.9%
Non English Speakers:
43.5%
Rent:
$2,150
Unemployment Rate:
5.7%
Public Transport Usage:
6.3%
Commute Time:
29.1 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
81.1%
Bachelors or More:
23.7%
Education
How are the schools in Gardena, CA?
Gardena offers a variety of educational options, including public schools like Gardena High School and Peary Middle School, as well as private institutions such as Junipero Serra High School. The area is also close to higher education opportunities, with El Camino College and California State University, Dominguez Hills both within a short drive. Families benefit from accessible schooling at every level.
Public Schools
Name:
Gardena High School
Street:
1301 W 182nd St
Phone:
310-354-5000
Students:
1,900
Student Teacher Ratio:
21.5
Name:
Peary Middle School
Street:
1415 W Gardena Blvd
Phone:
310-225-4291
Students:
850
Student Teacher Ratio:
19.8
Private Schools
Name:
Junipero Serra High School
Street:
14830 S. Van Ness Ave
Phone:
310-324-6675
Students:
560
Colleges
Name:
El Camino College
City:
Torrance
State:
CA
Distance:
4 miles
Students:
22,000
Name:
California State University, Dominguez Hills
City:
Carson
State:
CA
Distance:
7 miles
Students:
17,000
Healthcare
Gardena provides convenient access to healthcare, featuring facilities like Memorial Hospital of Gardena for emergency and general care. The city has a solid ratio of 2.3 physicians per 1,000 residents, and nearly 90% of its population has health insurance coverage. Healthcare services are generally accessible for most residents.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Memorial Hospital of Gardena
Address:
1145 W Redondo Beach Blvd, Gardena, CA 90247
Phone:
(310) 532-4200
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Kindred Hospital South Bay
Address:
1246 W 155th St, Gardena, CA 90247
Phone:
(310) 323-5355
Type:
Acute Long-Term Care
Emergency Services:
No
Physicians Per 1000:
2.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.1%
Health Care Index:
78.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Gardena, CA?
Gardena’s housing market is competitive, with a median home price of $715,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom around $2,150. Home values have appreciated by over 4% in the past year, while the owner-occupied rate is about 46%, indicating a strong rental market. Low vacancy and foreclosure rates reflect steady demand.
Median Home Price:
$715,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,150
Owner Occupied Rate:
46.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
3.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Gardena residents are served by the California Department of Motor Vehicles located on Van Ness Avenue, making vehicle registration and licensing convenient. Appointments can be scheduled online or by phone, streamlining access to essential DMV services. The office is easily accessible for local drivers.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
14802 S. Van Ness Ave, Gardena, CA 90249
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.