Compton, CA, known as 'The Hub City,' offers a unique blend of urban energy and community spirit. Located in Los Angeles County, Compton is a large city that serves as a major cultural and economic hub. Major nearby cities like Los Angeles (13 miles) and Long Beach (11 miles) enhance its status as a central point in the region. Compton's blend of historic significance, cultural vibrancy, and urban amenities creates a distinctive living experience.
Compton is home to several iconic landmarks, including the Compton Creek Natural Park, the historic Heritage House, and the scenic Wilson Park. The city offers a variety of attractions, from the beautiful Crystal Casino to the bustling Compton Fashion Center, known for its shopping and dining. Compton's dining scene is diverse, offering everything from Southern Californian cuisine to international dishes.
Annual events such as the Compton Christmas Parade and the Compton Air Fair highlight the city's vibrant cultural scene and provide unique entertainment opportunities for residents and visitors. These events celebrate Compton's rich cultural heritage and community spirit. Prestigious institutions like Compton College contribute to the city's academic and cultural vibrancy, fostering a thriving intellectual community.
The arts and culture scene in Compton is dynamic and diverse, with numerous theaters, music venues, and art galleries. The Compton Art Walk and the Tomorrow's Aeronautical Museum are just a few of the cultural landmarks that showcase the city's commitment to the arts. Living in Compton provides ample opportunities to engage with art, music, and history, making it an exciting place to call home.
Compton’s community is welcoming and diverse, creating a friendly environment for newcomers. The city is home to professional sports teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB) and the Los Angeles Lakers (NBA) in nearby Los Angeles, providing plenty of excitement for sports fans. Major industries in Compton include manufacturing, healthcare, and education, with significant employers such as St. Francis Medical Center and Compton Unified School District driving economic growth. The city has extensive public transit options, including buses and nearby Metro rail services, making commuting convenient for residents...
Commute
High commute scores indicates that public transit should be easily accessible in this area and the average commute time to work is less than average.
Amenities
A majority of amenities are not ideally situated within a reasonable walking distance, which may lead residents to rely on a vehicle or public transportation.
Cost Of Living
Based on the most recent cost of living data, this area is more expensive to live in. You can expect to pay more for everyday goods and services, housing, groceries and utilities.
Crime
This area is reporting high crime rates per 100,000 people and could signify that it is a dangerous place to live. Crime rates include both violent and property crimes.
Health & Safety
Poor air quality and the inaccessibility of certain health related facilities like hospitals, clinics, doctors and pharmacies could have all contributed to the low score in this category.
Ratings
AreaVibes conducted surveys and polls with locals who live in the area. The results were not favorable for walkability of amenities, parks, public transit and the overall sense of community in the area.
Compton, California is a moderately-sized city with a population of 98,731 inhabitants. With a population density of 9,845 people per square mile, Compton is well above the nation's average density level. More than a quarter of the residents of Compton identify themselves as Hispanic or Latino, and 65% of the population speak Spanish as their primary or secondary language. Compton could be a great place for young adults and students as the average age of 32 years old is below the nation’s average. All the single ladies and all the single fellas might want to take notice as only 44% of the Compton population is married. An important consideration when living in Compton is the longer-than-average commute times. If you seek a short work commute, this area may not be the best choice for you. The one-way commute time here typically takes 32 minutes, far surpassing the national average of 26 minutes.
Are you trying to figure out if living in Compton is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a fulfilling experience before relocating to any new city in California, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. The best areas in Compton and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, crime, commute, education, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the California and national averages.
Compton, CA receives 58 out of 100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #709 in California and #20,632 in the USA. This is not a favorable rating; as this score ranks among some of the lowest in America. Living in Compton may not be a pleasant experience. Based on the rankings for each individual category, Compton has been rewarded with high marks for housing (B). There is at least one category that you should be aware of in Compton. The following was graded with a concerning score: amenities (D-), crime (F), cost of living (F) and education (D).
Finding affordable real estate and housing in Compton can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.
Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Compton is real estate affordability. Median real estate prices in Compton come in at $700,550, which is 4.3% lower than the California average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Compton, the home price to income ratio is 8.2, which is 6.5% higher than the California average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Compton | California | National |
| Average one way commute | 32min | 28min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 78.4% | 73.5% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 12.3% | 10.6% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 4.8% | 5.2% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.2% | 1.1% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 0.6% | 2.7% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 2.8% | 5.4% | 4.6% |
Here are the best places to live in California
Safest Cities In The US
These are the 10 cheapest cities in California
Safest States In The US