Bell Gardens, CA
Population 38,661 · California
About Bell Gardens, CA
Bell Gardens is a mid-sized city located in California with a population of 38,661 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $55,372 per year, which is 26% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 32 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Bell Gardens features a median home value of $527,900, which is 116% above the national median of $244,900. This places Bell Gardens in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,658, 43% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 9,957 total housing units, 21% are owner-occupied (2,069 units) and 79% are renter-occupied (7,679 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Bell Gardens shows an unemployment rate of 6.0%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 21.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Bell Gardens have an average one-way commute time of 28.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
6.9% of Bell Gardens residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 80.0% White, 3.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, and 15.2% Asian residents, with 41.3% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Bell Gardens, CA
Compared to national averages, Bell Gardens has a median household income of $55,372 (26% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $527,900, which is 116% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,658 is 43% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Bell Gardens's income is 43% below the state average of $97,829, and home values are 19% below the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Bell Gardens, CA?
Potential considerations include median household income ($55,372) that falls below the national average, and a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $527,900. However, Bell Gardens’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Bell Gardens has a population of 38,661 with a median age of 32 years. Compare Bell Gardens with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Bell Gardens
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stanton | 38,639 | $81,455 | $541,000 | Compare |
| San Gabriel | 38,764 | $87,592 | $899,000 | Compare |
| Calexico | 38,476 | $50,021 | $281,700 | Compare |
| La Quinta | 38,299 | $97,628 | $612,800 | Compare |
| Adelanto | 38,010 | $68,419 | $318,300 | Compare |
| Montclair | 37,809 | $76,338 | $549,600 | Compare |
| Monrovia | 37,553 | $97,083 | $891,700 | Compare |
| Pacifica | 37,527 | $156,819 | $1,211,700 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in California
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Bell Gardens With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Bell Gardens
What is the population of Bell Gardens, CA?
The population of Bell Gardens, CA is 38,661 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in California.
What is the median household income in Bell Gardens?
The median household income in Bell Gardens, CA is $55,372 per year, which is 26% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Bell Gardens?
The median home value in Bell Gardens, CA is $527,900, which is 116% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Bell Gardens?
The median monthly rent in Bell Gardens, CA is $1,658, which is 43% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Bell Gardens?
The unemployment rate in Bell Gardens, CA is 6.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Bell Gardens, CA a good place to live?
Bell Gardens offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 38,661 and a median age of 32, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Bell Gardens, CA?
6.9% of residents in Bell Gardens aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Bell Gardens?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Bell Gardens, CA: median home value is $527,900 (116% above national), median rent is $1,658/month, and median household income is $55,372. The home-value-to-income ratio is 9.5x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Bell Gardens?
The poverty rate in Bell Gardens, CA is 21.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Bell Gardens, CA?
Bell Gardens's population is 80.0% White, 3.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, 15.2% Asian, and 1.2% two or more races. 41.3% of residents are foreign-born.