Gardena, CA
Population 59,765 · California
About Gardena, CA
Gardena is a mid-sized city located in California with a population of 59,765 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $79,291 per year, which is 6% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.8 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Gardena features a median home value of $667,600, which is 173% above the national median of $244,900. This places Gardena in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,761, 51% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 22,044 total housing units, 49% are owner-occupied (10,210 units) and 51% are renter-occupied (10,683 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 Gardena shows an unemployment rate of 5.2%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 11.0%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Gardena have an average one-way commute time of 28.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
28.0% of Gardena residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 30.6% White, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, and 12.4% Asian residents, with 36.3% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Gardena, CA
Compared to national averages, Gardena has a median household income of $79,291 (6% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $667,600, which is 173% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,761 is 51% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Gardena's income is 19% below the state average of $97,829, and home values are 2% above the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Gardena, CA?
Gardena offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $79,291, well above the national average, and a low poverty rate of 11.0%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $667,600. However, as a mid-sized city, Gardena provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Gardena has a population of 59,765 with a median age of 39.8 years. Compare Gardena with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Gardena
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monterey Park | 59,639 | $77,605 | $818,300 | Compare |
| Santee | 59,485 | $105,613 | $653,400 | Compare |
| Hanford | 59,389 | $73,544 | $323,600 | Compare |
| Petaluma | 59,321 | $109,823 | $834,900 | Compare |
| San Rafael | 60,604 | $109,317 | $1,246,200 | Compare |
| Cupertino | 58,886 | $231,139 | $2,000,001 | Compare |
| Pico Rivera | 60,821 | $86,956 | $621,400 | Compare |
| La Mesa | 60,835 | $84,337 | $738,800 | 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 Gardena With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Gardena
What is the population of Gardena, CA?
The population of Gardena, CA is 59,765 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 Gardena?
The median household income in Gardena, CA is $79,291 per year, which is 6% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Gardena?
The median home value in Gardena, CA is $667,600, which is 173% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Gardena?
The median monthly rent in Gardena, CA is $1,761, which is 51% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Gardena?
The unemployment rate in Gardena, CA is 5.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Gardena, CA a good place to live?
Gardena offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 59,765 and a median age of 39.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Gardena, CA?
28.0% of residents in Gardena 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 Gardena?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Gardena, CA: median home value is $667,600 (173% above national), median rent is $1,761/month, and median household income is $79,291. The home-value-to-income ratio is 8.4x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Gardena?
The poverty rate in Gardena, CA is 11.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Gardena, CA?
Gardena's population is 30.6% White, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, 12.4% Asian, and 18.5% two or more races. 36.3% of residents are foreign-born.