Is Inglewood Safe, Pros and cons of living in Inglewood
Is it Safe to Live in Inglewood?
Inglewood faces significant challenges regarding crime rates, with statistics indicating a higher prevalence of both violent and property crimes compared to national averages. The city’s overall crime rate is notably higher than most communities in California and stands out as above average when compared to cities of similar size (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Your chance of being a victim of any crime in Inglewood is approximately one in 24 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).
Specifically, violent crime rates in Inglewood are a concern, with a rate of 675 per 100,000 individuals, which is 87.9% higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Property crime also remains a significant issue, with a rate of 3614 per 100,000 residents, exceeding the national average by 105.4% (as reported by AreaVibes). The city has one of the nation’s highest rates of motor vehicle theft, contributing to its property crime statistics (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).
Understanding Inglewood’s Cost of Living
The cost of living in Inglewood is considerably higher than the national average, with overall expenses estimated to be 44% higher (as reported by Payscale). Housing costs are a major contributor to this elevated expense, being 99% higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale). This makes Inglewood one of the more expensive cities in the United States, ranked 152nd out of 2202 cities for cost of living (as reported by Livingcost).
While the median household income provides some context, it is important to note that living expenses can consume a significant portion of earnings. The median after-tax salary is sufficient to cover living expenses for approximately 1.8 months (as reported by Livingcost). Transportation and grocery costs also contribute to the higher cost of living, being 38% and 9% higher than the national average, respectively (as reported by Payscale).
Housing Market Insights
Inglewood’s housing market is characterized by high prices and a moderate pace. The median home price in Inglewood was approximately $737,000 in March 2026, reflecting a decrease of 5.8% from the previous year (as reported by Redfin). However, the Zillow Home Value Index indicated an average home value of $763,568 as of March 31, 2026, showing a slight increase of 0.7% over the past year (as reported by Zillow). Homes typically remain on the market for an average of 85 days, indicating a somewhat competitive but not rapid market (as reported by Redfin).
The homeownership rate in Inglewood is 36.2% (as reported by Data USA), which is lower than the national average of 65.2% (as reported by Data USA). This suggests a significant portion of the population are renters. The median rent in Inglewood was around $3,029 last month, showing an increase of $99 from the previous month (as reported by Redfin). Other sources indicate an average rent of $2,288 as of April 27, 2026 (as reported by Zillow).
Job Market and Economy
Inglewood’s economy is supported by a diverse range of industries, with the largest employing sectors including Health Care & Social Assistance, Retail Trade, and Accommodation & Food Services (as reported by Data USA). The average salary in Inglewood is approximately $58,471 annually, with most salaries ranging between $40,750 and $75,299 (as reported by ZipRecruiter). The unemployment rate in Inglewood was 6.00% as of January 2026, which is lower than the long-term average of 9.43% (as reported by YCharts).
Major employers in Inglewood include Centinela Hospital Medical Center, Marvin Engineering, and the NFL Networks Headquarters (as reported by Los Angeles Times). The city’s economy has seen growth, with employment increasing by 0.0735% from 2023 to 2024 (as reported by Data USA). The highest-paying industries in Inglewood are Utilities, Information, and Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services (as reported by Data USA).
Climate and Weather
Inglewood enjoys a Mediterranean climate, characterized by mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. The average annual mean temperature is approximately 19.11°C (66.4°F) based on recent data from 2016-2025 (as reported by NOAA Climate). Temperatures are generally moderate throughout the year, with average annual mean temperatures near 17.26°C (63.1°F) from 1909-1926 (as reported by NOAA Climate).
Precipitation in Inglewood is relatively low, typical of Southern California’s climate. While specific monthly precipitation data is not detailed here, NOAA climate data indicates a pattern of seasonal rainfall, with most precipitation occurring during the winter months. The climate is generally pleasant, with ample sunshine and comfortable temperatures for much of the year.
Demographics and Population Trends
Inglewood’s population was approximately 104,569 in 2024, making it the 68th most populated city in California (as reported by US Census data via Cubit). The projected population for 2026 is 102,644, indicating a slight decline in population (as reported by Cubit). The city’s demographics show a diverse population, with the largest racial/ethnic groups being Hispanic (48.6%), followed by Black or African American (38.5%), and White (6%) (as reported by Cubit).
The median age in Inglewood is 38.6 years (as reported by World Population Review). In terms of household income, the median household income was $72,750 in 2024 (as reported by Cubit). However, 10.9% of Inglewood families live below the poverty line (as reported by Cubit). The foreign-born population constitutes 28.7% of Inglewood’s residents (as reported by Data USA).
Education in Inglewood
The educational landscape in Inglewood is served by the Inglewood Unified School District. The district receives a C grade overall, with a rating of 3.52 out of 5 (as reported by Niche). Within the district, high schools like Inglewood High School have a rating of 3.35 out of 5 (as reported by Niche).
Performance in core subjects indicates areas for improvement; for example, at Inglewood High School, only 4% of students are proficient in math and 32% are proficient in reading, according to state test scores (as reported by Niche). Niche rankings place Inglewood Unified School District among the more diverse school districts in California and the Los Angeles area (as reported by Niche).
Major Employers and Economic Drivers
Inglewood’s economy is bolstered by several significant employers and industries. Centinela Hospital Medical Center stands out as one of the largest employers and is the only hospital within the city, recognized for its quality and patient safety (as reported by Los Angeles Times). Marvin Engineering, a company with roots in aerospace manufacturing, also contributes significantly to local employment and the city’s economy (as reported by Los Angeles Times).
The NFL Networks recently relocated its West Coast headquarters to Inglewood, aligning with the opening of SoFi Stadium, further enhancing the city’s profile and job market (as reported by Los Angeles Times). Other key sectors driving employment include Health Care & Social Assistance, Retail Trade, and Accommodation & Food Services (as reported by Data USA).
Climate and Weather Patterns
Inglewood experiences a Mediterranean climate, marked by warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The average annual temperature hovers around 19.11°C (66.4°F) based on recent climate data (as reported by NOAA Climate). This generally pleasant weather is typical of coastal Southern California.
Rainfall is most common during the winter months, with summer months typically being very dry. The climate offers a comfortable living environment for most of the year, with sunshine being a frequent feature. Detailed daily temperature and precipitation data are available from NOAA, providing comprehensive historical weather information (as reported by NOAA Climate.gov).
Demographics and Population Overview
As of 2024, Inglewood is home to approximately 104,569 residents, positioning it as the 68th most populous city in California (as reported by US Census data via Cubit). Projections suggest a slight population decrease, with an estimated 102,644 residents by 2026 (as reported by Cubit). The city’s population is diverse, with Hispanic individuals forming the largest demographic group at 48.6%, followed by Black or African American residents at 38.5% (as reported by Cubit).
The median age in Inglewood is 38.6 years (as reported by World Population Review). The median household income was reported as $72,750 in 2024 (as reported by Cubit). A notable percentage of residents, 10.9%, live below the poverty line (as reported by Cubit). Foreign-born residents constitute 28.7% of the city’s population (as reported by Data USA).
Educational Landscape
The Inglewood Unified School District serves the city’s educational needs, holding an overall C grade with a 3.52 out of 5 rating (as reported by Niche). High schools within the district, such as Inglewood High School, have received ratings around 3.35 out of 5 (as reported by Niche). State test scores indicate that at Inglewood High School, only 4% of students are proficient in math and 32% in reading (as reported by Niche). Niche recognizes the Inglewood Unified School District for its diversity within California and the greater Los Angeles area (as reported by Niche).
Pros and Cons of Living in Inglewood
Inglewood offers a vibrant cultural scene and proximity to major attractions, which are significant advantages for residents. Its location provides convenient access to Los Angeles, beaches, and entertainment venues, making it an attractive place for those seeking an active lifestyle. The city is undergoing revitalization, with new developments and investments potentially improving amenities and opportunities.
However, Inglewood faces considerable challenges, particularly concerning public safety. The higher-than-average crime rates, especially for violent and property crimes, are a primary concern for residents and potential newcomers (as reported by NeighborhoodScout and AreaVibes). The cost of living, driven largely by high housing expenses, can also be a barrier for some individuals and families (as reported by Payscale and Livingcost).
The job market in Inglewood is developing, with key employers in healthcare, aerospace, and entertainment (as reported by Los Angeles Times and Data USA). While the average salary is around $58,471 annually (as reported by ZipRecruiter), the high cost of living means that a significant portion of income may be dedicated to essential expenses. The educational system presents mixed results, with some schools showing room for academic improvement (as reported by Niche).