Is Hawaiian Gardens Safe, Pros and cons of living in Hawaiian Gardens

Hawaiian Gardens, a city in Los Angeles County, California, offers a unique blend of suburban living with close proximity to major urban centers. It is known for its small geographical footprint, making it one of the most compact cities in the county. The city’s name has a whimsical origin, stemming from a roadside refreshment stand that became a local landmark in the 1920s.

The community is characterized by a diverse population and a housing market that has seen significant shifts over the years. While it maintains a distinct identity, its residents benefit from access to the broader economic and cultural opportunities of the greater Los Angeles area. Understanding the various facets of life in Hawaiian Gardens, from safety and cost of living to employment and education, is key for anyone considering a move to this Southern California city.

Is it Safe to Live in Hawaiian Gardens?

Hawaiian Gardens faces challenges regarding crime rates, with statistics indicating a higher incidence of both violent and property crimes compared to national averages. The chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is reported as 1 in 139, and for property crime, it is 1 in 48 (according to NeighborhoodScout analysis of FBI crime data). The city’s overall crime rate is noted as being 34% higher than the national average, with violent crimes being 105% higher than the U.S. average (according to AreaVibes).

While the overall crime rate is a concern, it’s important to note that crime can vary by neighborhood. Some analyses suggest that the southern parts of the city are considered safer, with lower crime counts compared to eastern areas. The property crime rate is reported at 21.98 per 1,000 residents, and motor vehicle theft is identified as a particular concern, with Hawaiian Gardens having one of the higher rates nationally (according to CrimeGrade.org and NeighborhoodScout).

Crime Statistics and Trends

The city’s crime rate is significantly higher than both state and national averages. Hawaiian Gardens ranks in the 28th percentile for safety, meaning it is safer than only 28% of U.S. cities (according to CrimeGrade.org). Year over year, crime in Hawaiian Gardens has seen an increase of 11% (according to AreaVibes). The cost of crime per resident is estimated at $457 annually, which is slightly less than the national average but more than California’s state average (according to CrimeGrade.org).

Specifically, the violent crime rate stands at 736 per 100,000 individuals, which is 105.1% higher than the national average. Property crimes are also elevated, with 2103 per 100,000 residents, a figure 19.5% higher than the U.S. average (according to AreaVibes). These statistics paint a picture of a community that requires heightened awareness and proactive safety measures for its residents.

Housing Costs and Availability

The housing market in Hawaiian Gardens presents a mix of affordability and rising values. The median home value in Hawaiian Gardens was approximately $554,100 in 2024, showing an increase of 8.73% from the previous year (according to Data USA). However, other recent data indicates a median home value of $613,154 (according to Livability.com) and as of April 2026, Zillow reported the average home value at $647,289, a 1.1% decrease over the past year. Realtor.com lists a median listing home price of $899,900.

Rental costs are also a significant factor for residents. The median gross rent in Hawaiian Gardens was $1,696 per month (according to Data USA), while other sources place the average apartment rent at $1,955 per month as of May 2026 (according to Apartments.com and Zumper). This average rent is notably higher than the national average, making Hawaiian Gardens one of the more expensive cities for renters in the U.S. (according to Apartments.com).

Homeownership and Rental Market

The homeownership rate in Hawaiian Gardens is 43.8%, which is lower than the national average of 65.2% (according to Data USA). This suggests a strong renter population within the city. For renters, the median monthly rent hovers around $1,696 to $1,955, depending on the source and date of data. This median rent requires an estimated annual income of around $78,192 to live comfortably, based on the guideline of spending no more than 30% of income on rent (according to Apartments.com).

The housing market saw 8 homes sold in April 2026, a slight decrease from the previous year, and properties tend to stay on the market longer, with an average of 79 days compared to 49 days last year (according to Movoto). This indicates a potential shift towards a buyer’s market or a period of market adjustment.

Cost of Living and Economic Landscape

Hawaiian Gardens’s overall cost of living is higher than the national average, estimated to be 34% higher (according to Payscale). Housing expenses are a significant contributor, being 52% higher than the national average. Utility prices are also elevated, at 9% higher than the national average, and transportation costs, including gas prices and bus fares, are 38% higher than the national average (according to Payscale).

Food expenses are approximately 9% higher than the national average, while healthcare costs are slightly lower, at 4% below the national average (according to Payscale). These combined factors mean that living expenses in Hawaiian Gardens can be substantial for its residents.

Income and Employment Averages

The median household income in Hawaiian Gardens was reported as $76,341 in 2024 (according to Data USA) and $76,025 in 2023 (according to the U.S. Census Bureau). However, another source indicates a median income of $73,985 (according to Livability.com) and an individual median income of $31,914 (according to Data Commons). The average salary in Hawaiian Gardens, as of May 2026, is $55,652 per year, or $26.76 per hour (according to ZipRecruiter).

The unemployment rate in Hawaiian Gardens was 5.1% as of 2023 (according to the U.S. Census Bureau). Employment sectors that are most common for residents include Manufacturing, Accommodation & Food Services, and Retail Trade. The highest paying industries are Construction, Transportation & Warehousing & Utilities, and Public Administration.

Major Employers and Job Market

Hawaiian Gardens’s economy relies on a mix of local businesses and larger service-oriented employers. Key employers in the area include the Hawaiian Gardens Casino, Tri-City Regional Medical Center, the City of Hawaiian Gardens, Total Building Care, and Cypress Garden Villas (according to Senator Bob Archuleta). The casino is a significant revenue generator for the city, contributing a substantial portion of its income.

The job market reflects the city’s economic structure, with a notable presence in manufacturing, hospitality, and retail. As of 2024, employment in Hawaiian Gardens saw a decline of 2.53%, with the most common job groups being in food preparation and serving, sales, and office and administrative support occupations (according to Data USA).

Climate and Weather Patterns

Hawaiian Gardens experiences a mild Mediterranean climate, characterized by warm, dry summers and cool, wetter winters. The average annual temperature ranges from a low of 46°F to a high of 85°F, with August typically being the hottest month and December the coolest (according to Livability.com and myPerfectWeather). Snowfall is virtually nonexistent in the area.

The city receives a modest amount of annual precipitation, averaging around 13 inches, with most of it occurring during the winter months, particularly in February. Humidity levels are generally comfortable throughout the year, and the area benefits from a high number of sunshine hours annually, making it pleasant for outdoor activities for a significant portion of the year (according to myPerfectWeather).

Temperature and Rainfall Averages

Daily high temperatures typically range between 65°F and 86°F, with maximum dew point temperatures remaining below 65°F, contributing to the comfortable climate (according to myPerfectWeather). The cool season extends from late November to late March, with average daily high temperatures below 70°F. Conversely, the warm season spans from early July to late September, with average daily highs exceeding 80°F.

Rainfall is most concentrated in the winter months, with December and January seeing light precipitation. While the annual rainfall is low, it is sufficient to support the region’s climate. The weather is generally dry, with calm to breezy winds and minimal cloud cover during the summer months, ideal for outdoor recreation (according to myPerfectWeather).

Education and School Ratings

The public school system in Hawaiian Gardens is a significant aspect for families considering the area. Public schools in Hawaiian Gardens have an average math proficiency score of 20% and a reading proficiency score of 35%, which are below the California state averages (according to Niche). The schools collectively have an average ranking of 3 out of 10, placing them in the bottom 50% of California public schools (according to Niche).

The student body is highly diverse, with minority enrollment at 99%, predominantly Hispanic, which is higher than the California public school average. The top-ranked public schools in the area include Furgeson (Venn W.) Elementary School, Fedde (Pharis F.) Middle School, and Hawaiian Elementary School (according to Niche).

School Performance and Diversity

Hawaiian Gardens is served by a few public schools, with Furgeson (Venn W.) Elementary School, Fedde (Pharis F.) Middle School, and Hawaiian Elementary School being among the notable institutions (according to Niche). These schools educate a large majority of the K-12 student population, with 98% attending public schools compared to the California state average of 90%. Hawaiian Elementary School, for instance, has a student-teacher ratio of 20:1 and reports 17% math proficiency and 27% reading proficiency (according to Homes.com).

The student population is overwhelmingly diverse, with minority students making up 99% of the enrollment, primarily of Hispanic or Latino descent. This demographic makeup is significantly higher than the state average, reflecting the community’s broader ethnic composition (according to Niche).

Demographics and Population

Hawaiian Gardens is home to a population of approximately 13,700 residents, with a projected population of 13,137 in 2026 (according to Data USA and Data Commons). The city is characterized by a significant Hispanic or Latino population, making up 75.6% of residents (according to Data Commons). Other racial and ethnic groups include Asian (12.5%) and White (6.7%) populations (according to Data Commons).

The median age in Hawaiian Gardens is 34.8 years (according to Data Commons). A notable portion of the population, 41.5%, was born outside the United States, which is around the national average (according to Data USA). Citizenship is held by 78.5% of residents, a figure that has seen a slight decrease over recent years (according to Data USA).

Age, Ethnicity, and Citizenship

The age distribution shows a median age of 34.8 years, with 25.2% of residents under 18 and 11.5% aged 65 or older (according to Data Commons and Wikipedia). The population is relatively balanced in terms of gender, with slightly more females than males. The Hispanic or Latino community forms the largest ethnic group, with other significant populations including Asian and White residents (according to Data Commons).

Regarding citizenship, 78.5% of Hawaiian Gardens residents are U.S. citizens, a figure lower than the national average (according to Data USA). The foreign-born population constitutes 41.5% of residents, a percentage that has been increasing. The community’s diversity is further highlighted by a significant portion of residents speaking Spanish at home, alongside English.