Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Watts, CA
Thinking about moving to Watts, CA? Home to about 41,000 residents, Watts is a densely populated, diverse neighborhood in Los Angeles with a youthful median age of 25. The area offers affordable living compared to most of LA, with median home prices around $370,000 and average two-bedroom rents near $1,380. While the cost of living is high by national standards, the climate is mild and sunny for over 70% of the year. Commuters can expect a 32-minute average trip, and healthcare is accessible with major hospitals nearby. Note that Watts has higher-than-average crime rates and lower income levels, but it’s a vibrant community with public transportation options and local schools, making it an option worth considering for some movers.
Demographics - Watts, CA
Watts is home to approximately 41,000 residents, featuring a youthful median age of 24.9 and a vibrant mix of cultures, with over 60% Latino and 34% Black populations. The area's high population density and predominance of non-English speakers contribute to its dynamic, multicultural atmosphere.
Population:
41,028
Density:
15,000 per sq mi
Median Age:
24.9
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
68.3%
Ethnic Composition
White:
1.5%
Black:
34.0%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
2.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Watts, CA?
Living in Watts is relatively affordable compared to much of Los Angeles, with median home values around $370,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom at $1,380. While the overall cost of living index is higher than the national average, housing and utility costs remain accessible for the region.
Median House Value:
$370,000
Gross Rent:
$1,380
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$2,200
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$580
State Taxes:
Low:
1%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
134.5
Grocery:
113.5
Housing:
158.0
Utilities:
110.0
Transportation:
142.0
Health Care:
110.0
Miscellaneous:
107.0
Crime
Is Watts, CA a safe place to live?
Watts experiences higher-than-average crime rates, with a 1 in 80 chance of violent crime and a 1 in 29 chance of property crime each year. While safety is a concern, local initiatives and community programs continue to work on improving neighborhood security.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
1,250
Property Crimes Per 100k:
3,400
Crime Index:
4,650
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 80
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 29
Weather
What is the weather like in Watts, CA year-round?
Watts offers a mild Southern California climate, with winter lows in the mid-40s, summer highs in the mid-80s, and around 72% of days being sunny. The neighborhood enjoys about 15 inches of annual rainfall, making for generally pleasant weather year-round.
Winter
Min:
46°F
Max:
68°F
Spring
Min:
50°F
Max:
75°F
Summer
Min:
65°F
Max:
85°F
Fall
Min:
55°F
Max:
80°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
15 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
72%
Neighbors
Watts is a close-knit, working-class community where the median household income is $37,500 and nearly 40% of residents live below the poverty line. Public transportation is used by about 12% of locals, and the average commute time is just over 32 minutes.
Median Income:
$28,000
Household Income:
$37,500
Family Income:
$39,200
Per Capita Income:
$12,800
Income Male:
$23,000
Income Female:
$21,200
Poverty Rate:
39.2%
Non English Speakers:
68.3%
Rent:
$1,380
Unemployment Rate:
12.1%
Public Transport Usage:
12.4%
Commute Time:
32.5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
50.4%
Bachelors or More:
3.8%
Education
How are the schools in Watts, CA?
Watts offers local public and private schools, including David Starr Jordan High School and Our Lady of Victory School, as well as proximity to colleges like Los Angeles Southwest College just four miles away. While higher education attainment is below average, residents benefit from accessible K-12 options and nearby community colleges.
Public Schools
Name:
David Starr Jordan High School
Street:
2265 E 103rd St
Phone:
323-568-4100
Students:
1,250
Student Teacher Ratio:
20.5
Name:
Grape Street Elementary School
Street:
1945 E 111th St
Phone:
323-567-8853
Students:
650
Student Teacher Ratio:
22.0
Private Schools
Name:
Our Lady of Victory School
Street:
4365 Compton Ave
Phone:
323-233-6201
Students:
180
Colleges
Name:
Los Angeles Southwest College
City:
Los Angeles
State:
CA
Distance:
4 miles
Students:
8,500
Name:
California State University, Dominguez Hills
City:
Carson
State:
CA
Distance:
7 miles
Students:
16,000
Healthcare
Residents of Watts have access to major hospitals like Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Hospital and St. Francis Medical Center, with a physician ratio of 2.5 per 1,000 people. Over 82% of locals have health insurance, providing a solid foundation for healthcare needs.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Hospital
Address:
1680 E 120th St, Los Angeles, CA 90059
Phone:
(424) 338-8000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
St. Francis Medical Center
Address:
3630 E Imperial Hwy, Lynwood, CA 90262
Phone:
(310) 900-8900
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
82.1%
Health Care Index:
65.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Watts, CA?
The Watts housing market is relatively affordable, with a median home price of $370,000 and an average two-bedroom rent of $1,380. Homeownership rates are modest at 29%, and the area has seen a steady appreciation rate over the past year.
Median Home Price:
$370,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,380
Owner Occupied Rate:
29.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.3%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Watts residents can access DMV services through the California Department of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located at 3615 S. Hope Street in Los Angeles. The state DMV website and phone assistance are available for licensing, registration, and other motor vehicle needs.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
3615 S. Hope Street, Los Angeles, CA 90007
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.