Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Terminal Island, CA
Considering a move to Terminal Island, CA? With a small population of about 1,500, this unique portside community features a high cost of living, with median home prices around $725,000 and average rents near $2,450. Residents enjoy mild, sunny coastal weather and easy access to major hospitals and schools, but should note higher-than-average property crime rates and commute times of about 32 minutes. If you’re seeking an industrial maritime setting with proximity to Los Angeles and Long Beach, Terminal Island offers a distinctive lifestyle by the water.
Demographics - Terminal Island, CA
Demographics - Terminal Island, CA
Terminal Island is a small, close-knit community of about 1,500 residents, with a median age of 38.2 and a slight majority of males. The population is ethnically diverse, with nearly a third speaking a language other than English at home, offering a multicultural atmosphere for newcomers.
Population:
1,500
Density:
500 per sq mi
Median Age:
38.2
Gender Ratio:
110 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
29%

Ethnic Composition
White:
27%
Black:
12%
Asian:
17%
Others:
44%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Terminal Island, CA?
Living in Terminal Island comes with a high cost of living, reflected in a median home value of $725,000 and average monthly rent of $2,450. Residents can expect above-average expenses for housing and transportation, along with variable state income taxes ranging from 1% to 13.3%.
Median House Value:
$725,000
Gross Rent:
$2,450
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$1,980
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$3,150
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$820
State Taxes:
Low:
1%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
158.7
Grocery:
112.4
Housing:
210.1
Utilities:
109.2
Transportation:
130.5
Health Care:
108.9
Miscellaneous:
107.5
Crime
Is Terminal Island, CA a safe place to live?
Terminal Island experiences higher-than-average property crime rates, with a 1 in 47 chance, and a violent crime rate of 522 incidents per 100,000 people. While crime is a consideration, many residents find the area manageable with appropriate precautions.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
522
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,134
Crime Index:
2,656
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 192
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 47
Weather
What is the weather like in Terminal Island, CA year-round?
The city enjoys mild coastal weather year-round, with winter lows around 47°F and summer highs reaching 83°F. Residents benefit from over 70% sunny days annually and moderate rainfall, making outdoor activities accessible throughout the seasons.

Winter
Min:
47°F
Max:
67°F

Spring
Min:
53°F
Max:
73°F

Summer
Min:
63°F
Max:
83°F

Fall
Min:
58°F
Max:
77°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
12.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
73%
Neighbors
Neighborhoods feature a median household income of $61,500 and a poverty rate of 17.8%, with most adults having at least a high school education. Commute times average just over 32 minutes, and public transport usage is modest, reflecting the area’s working-class and diverse character.
Median Income:
$38,000
Household Income:
$61,500
Family Income:
$70,200
Per Capita Income:
$32,800
Income Male:
$40,000
Income Female:
$35,000
Poverty Rate:
17.8%
Non English Speakers:
29%
Rent:
$2,450
Unemployment Rate:
6.7%
Public Transport Usage:
5.4%
Commute Time:
32.1 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
81.5%
Bachelors or More:
21.3%
Education
How are the schools in Terminal Island, CA?
Families have access to several public and private schools with manageable student-teacher ratios, as well as nearby higher education institutions like Los Angeles Harbor College and California State University, Dominguez Hills. The educational landscape supports lifelong learning from K-12 to university level.

Public Schools
Name:
Wilmington Middle School
Street:
1700 Gulf Ave
Phone:
310-835-8466
Students:
1,250
Student Teacher Ratio:
20.5
Name:
Harry Bridges Span School
Street:
1235 Broad Ave
Phone:
310-548-1363
Students:
900
Student Teacher Ratio:
22.1

Private Schools
Name:
Mary Star of the Sea High School
Street:
2500 N Taper Ave
Phone:
310-547-1138
Students:
540

Colleges
Name:
Los Angeles Harbor College
City:
Wilmington
State:
CA
Distance:
2 miles
Students:
8,200
Name:
California State University, Dominguez Hills
City:
Carson
State:
CA
Distance:
7 miles
Students:
17,500
Healthcare
Terminal Island offers convenient access to major hospitals like Harbor-UCLA Medical Center and St. Mary Medical Center, both providing comprehensive services and emergency care. The area is well-served with 2.6 physicians per 1,000 residents and nearly 90% of locals covered by health insurance.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Harbor-UCLA Medical Center
Address:
1000 W Carson St, Torrance, CA 90502
Phone:
(424) 306-4000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
St. Mary Medical Center
Address:
1050 Linden Ave, Long Beach, CA 90813
Phone:
(562) 491-9000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.7%
Health Care Index:
72.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Terminal Island, CA?
The housing market is competitive, with a median home price of $725,000 and average rents at $2,450 for a two-bedroom unit. Home values have appreciated steadily by 6.4% over the past year, and the area has a balanced mix of owners and renters with a low foreclosure rate.
Median Home Price:
$725,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,450
Owner Occupied Rate:
43.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.4%
New Construction Rate:
2.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Local DMV services are provided by the California Department of Motor Vehicles, with a convenient office located in El Segundo. Residents can access licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
390 N. Pacific Coast Highway, El Segundo, CA 90245
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.