South El Monte, CA
Population 19,413 · California
About South El Monte, CA
South El Monte is a mid-sized city located in California with a population of 19,413 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $67,153 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37.8 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in South El Monte features a median home value of $578,100, which is 136% above the national median of $244,900. This places South El Monte in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,708, 47% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 5,198 total housing units, 50% are owner-occupied (2,501 units) and 50% are renter-occupied (2,549 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 South El Monte shows an unemployment rate of 7.5%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 23.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in South El Monte have an average one-way commute time of 27 minutes.
Education & Demographics
10.2% of South El Monte 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 66.6% White, 2.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, and 7.4% Asian residents, with 45.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in South El Monte, CA
Compared to national averages, South El Monte has a median household income of $67,153 (11% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $578,100, which is 136% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,708 is 47% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, South El Monte's income is 31% below the state average of $97,829, and home values are 12% below the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in South El Monte, CA?
Potential considerations include median household income ($67,153) that falls below the national average, and a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $578,100. However, South El Monte’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
South El Monte has a population of 19,413 with a median age of 37.8 years. Compare South El Monte with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near South El Monte
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orinda | 19,472 | $250,001 | $1,804,400 | Compare |
| Arvin | 19,478 | $49,984 | $247,800 | Compare |
| Rosedale | 19,325 | $134,697 | $594,000 | Compare |
| Santa Fe Springs | 19,310 | $86,857 | $624,700 | Compare |
| Prunedale | 19,286 | $106,442 | $760,200 | Compare |
| Valle Vista | 19,263 | $61,799 | $315,400 | Compare |
| Hermosa Beach | 19,248 | $152,019 | $2,000,001 | Compare |
| Mead Valley | 19,588 | $90,358 | $417,700 | 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 South El Monte With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about South El Monte
What is the population of South El Monte, CA?
The population of South El Monte, CA is 19,413 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 South El Monte?
The median household income in South El Monte, CA is $67,153 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in South El Monte?
The median home value in South El Monte, CA is $578,100, which is 136% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in South El Monte?
The median monthly rent in South El Monte, CA is $1,708, which is 47% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in South El Monte?
The unemployment rate in South El Monte, CA is 7.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is South El Monte, CA a good place to live?
South El Monte offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 19,413 and a median age of 37.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is South El Monte, CA?
10.2% of residents in South El Monte 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 South El Monte?
Key cost-of-living indicators for South El Monte, CA: median home value is $578,100 (136% above national), median rent is $1,708/month, and median household income is $67,153. The home-value-to-income ratio is 8.6x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in South El Monte?
The poverty rate in South El Monte, CA is 23.7%, 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 South El Monte, CA?
South El Monte's population is 66.6% White, 2.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, 7.4% Asian, and 1.0% two or more races. 45.0% of residents are foreign-born.