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

Bell Gardens, a city nestled within the Los Angeles metropolitan area, presents a unique living experience characterized by its diverse community and accessible location. The city offers a blend of urban convenience with a more intimate, residential feel, making it a distinct choice for those seeking a balance between city life and neighborhood charm. Its proximity to major freeways and Downtown Los Angeles enhances its appeal for commuters and those desiring easy access to the region’s extensive amenities and employment opportunities.

Historically, Bell Gardens has roots stretching back to the early 20th century, with development spurred by defense plant workers and later by waves of immigrants seeking opportunities. This rich history has shaped its current demographic and cultural landscape, contributing to its vibrant and multifaceted community. The city’s nickname, “Billy Goat Acres,” adds a touch of local flavor and character, reflecting its development and the enduring spirit of its residents.

Is it Safe to Live in Bell Gardens?

Bell Gardens presents a mixed safety profile, with crime rates that warrant consideration for potential residents. The overall crime rate in Bell Gardens is reported to be 12% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents (as reported by AreaVibes). However, violent crime rates are higher than the national average, with 143 reported violent crimes, equating to 388 per 100,000 people, which is 8.1% higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Property crime rates are lower than the national average, with 544 property crimes reported, or 1476 per 100,000 people, which is 16.1% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes).

When considering safety, it’s important to note that crime rates can vary significantly by neighborhood within Bell Gardens. Residents generally perceive the northern parts of the city as the safest, with a lower chance of becoming a victim of crime compared to western neighborhoods (as reported by AreaVibes, CrimeGrade.org). The analysis of crime in Bell Gardens indicates that the city ranks in the 42nd percentile for safety, meaning it is safer than 42% of cities but less safe than 58% (as reported by AreaVibes). CrimeGrade.org notes a violent crime rate of 4.940 per 1,000 residents, assigning the city a “D” grade for violent crime, indicating it’s higher than the average U.S. city.

Housing Costs and Market Trends

The housing market in Bell Gardens presents a varied landscape, with median home values that are generally more accessible than the national average, though more expensive than the California average. As of March 2026, the median sale price of a home in Bell Gardens was $700,000, a decrease of 16.4% compared to the previous year (as reported by Redfin). The median property value in Bell Gardens was $563,900 in 2024, an increase of 6.82% from the previous year (as reported by Data USA).

Homeownership in Bell Gardens is lower than the national average, with a homeownership rate of 21.2% (as reported by Data USA). As of March 2026, the average home value in Bell Gardens was $690,424, reflecting a 0.5% decrease over the past year (as reported by Zillow). The median home price in Bell Gardens is $562,577, which is more expensive than the U.S. median but less expensive than California’s average (as reported by BestNeighborhood.org).

Rental prices in Bell Gardens are generally lower than the national average. As of April 2026, the average rent in Bell Gardens was $1,118 per month, which is 32% lower than the national average (as reported by Apartments.com). The median rent for all bedroom counts and property types in Bell Gardens was $2,200 as of April 2026, which is 13% higher than the national average (as reported by Zumper). This indicates some variation in rental cost data depending on the source and the specific metrics used.

Economic Landscape and Employment

Bell Gardens’s economy is supported by a range of industries, with manufacturing, healthcare, and retail trade being the most common sectors for its residents (as reported by Data USA). From 2023 to 2024, employment in Bell Gardens saw a slight decline of -0.284%, with approximately 16,500 employees (as reported by Data USA). The most common job groups include production occupations, office and administrative support, and material moving occupations.

The average annual salary in Bell Gardens varies by source, with ZipRecruiter reporting $50,569 as of April 2026 (as reported by ZipRecruiter), while ERI SalaryExpert indicates an average of $76,985 per year (as reported by ERI SalaryExpert). Zippia reports the average salary in Bell Gardens, CA as $42,000 (as reported by Zippia). These figures highlight the range of earning potential within the city, influenced by various factors including job title and experience.

The unemployment rate in Bell Gardens was 5.7% in 2026 (as reported by Data Commons), and 5.9% according to another source (as reported by Point2Homes). Major employers in the area include large retail chains like Walmart, McDonald’s, FedEx, and UPS, indicating a significant presence of service and logistics industries (as reported by Indeed.com). The city’s economic development initiatives aim to foster growth and opportunities for its residents.

Climate and Environment

Bell Gardens experiences a Mediterranean climate characterized by mild winters and warm, dry summers. The average annual rainfall is around 260 mm (10 inches), with a distinct dry season from March to November (as reported by Best Time to Visit Bell Gardens). The wettest month is typically December, while June sees the least amount of rain.

Temperatures in Bell Gardens remain moderate throughout the year, generally ranging from 20°C (68°F) in December to 30°C (86°F) in August (as reported by Best Time to Visit Bell Gardens). Nighttime temperatures can drop to around 8°C (46°F) in December and rise to about 18°C (64°F) in August. The climate is considered pleasant year-round, with ample sunshine, especially in July, which averages 12.1 hours of daily sunshine.

The city’s climate risk is noted as very high, with a score of 99.98454092492835 (as reported by Kurby AI). Air quality is generally moderate, with an AQI of 58 (as reported by Kurby AI). Bell Gardens faces a very low wildfire risk (as reported by Augurisk).

Education and Demographics

Bell Gardens’s educational landscape includes public schools with varying performance metrics. Bell Gardens High School has a student-teacher ratio of 19 to 1, with 9% of students proficient in math and 41% in reading (as reported by Niche). Bell Gardens Elementary School, serving K-5 students, has a student-teacher ratio of 16 to 1, with 34% of students proficient in math and 34% in reading (as reported by Niche).

Schools in Bell Gardens generally average a “D-” grade, with actual proficiency rates falling below projected rates (as reported by BestNeighborhood.org). The Montebello Unified School District, which includes Bell Gardens Elementary, is ranked 1034 out of 1565 districts in California (as reported by SchoolDigger). Many schools in the area serve a high percentage of students from low-socioeconomic backgrounds and have high rates of chronic absenteeism.

The population of Bell Gardens was approximately 38,229 in 2024 (as reported by Data USA). The city’s demographic profile is predominantly Hispanic, with 97.1% of residents identifying as such (as reported by Data Commons). The median age in Bell Gardens is 32.3 years (as reported by Data Commons). A significant portion of the population, 41.5%, were born outside the United States (as reported by Data USA).