Is Bellflower Safe, Pros and cons of living in Bellflower
Bellflower, a city nestled in Los Angeles County, California, offers a blend of suburban charm and urban accessibility, making it an appealing place for many to consider a move. Its strategic location within the greater Los Angeles metropolitan area provides residents with convenient access to major employment centers, cultural attractions, and recreational opportunities. The city is known for its friendly atmosphere and community-oriented spirit, fostering a sense of belonging for its residents.
This comprehensive guide aims to provide an in-depth look at Bellflower, exploring various facets of life in the city to help potential residents make an informed decision. From safety and cost of living to job prospects and educational opportunities, we will delve into the details that define this Southern California community.
Is it Safe to Live in Bellflower?
Bellflower’s crime rate presents a complex picture, with overall statistics indicating a higher risk compared to national averages. The city’s overall crime rate is 31% higher than the national average, with an average of 5.63 crimes per day, including 1.24 violent crimes and 4.39 property crimes (as reported by AreaVibes). Specifically, violent crime in Bellflower stands at 613 per 100,000 residents, which is 70.7% higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Your chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime in Bellflower is approximately 1 in 164, and for property crime, it is 1 in 47 (as reported by AreaVibes).
However, it is important to note that crime rates can vary significantly by neighborhood within Bellflower. Additionally, some analyses suggest that the violent crime rate is below the state average, with an average violent crime rate of 99.8 per 100k residents, which is 6.0% below the national average (as reported by Crime Explorer). Law enforcement efforts are ongoing to address these concerns and improve community safety.
Housing Costs and Availability
Home Prices
The housing market in Bellflower is characterized by competitive conditions and a median home price that reflects its desirable Southern California location. The median sale price of a home in Bellflower was approximately $760,000 as of last month, reflecting a 5.9% decrease since the previous year (as reported by Redfin). The median sale price per square foot is around $563, which is down 4.8% from last year (as reported by Redfin). In the 90706 zip code, the median home price was approximately $800,000 in March 2026, showing a 1.9% decrease compared to the previous year (as reported by Redfin).
The median home value in Bellflower is estimated to be $801,999 (as reported by Trulia). Property values have seen an increase, with the median property value in Bellflower, CA, increasing by 6.75% between 2023 and 2024 to $705,700 (as reported by Data USA). This figure is notably higher than the national average median property value of $332,700 (as reported by Data USA).
Rental Market
For those considering renting, Bellflower offers a range of options, though rental prices are above the national average. The median rent for all bedroom counts and property types in Bellflower is approximately $2,250 per month, which is 15% higher than the national average (as reported by Zumper). The monthly rent for an apartment in Bellflower averages around $2,225, with a one-bedroom unit costing about $1,900 and a two-bedroom unit around $2,475 (as reported by Zumper). Houses for rent are more expensive, with an average monthly cost of $3,495 (as reported by Zumper).
More recent data indicates that the average rent in Bellflower, CA, is $1,706 per month, which is 4% higher than the national average of $1,641 per month (as reported by Apartments.com). A one-bedroom apartment averages $1,706, while a two-bedroom unit is around $2,129 (as reported by Apartments.com). The average rent for all bedrooms and all property types in Bellflower, CA, is $2,207 (as reported by Zillow).
Cost of Living
Bellflower’s cost of living is higher than the national average, influenced significantly by housing expenses. The overall cost of living in Bellflower is 37% higher than the U.S. national average, though it is 13% lower than California’s state average (as reported by Salary.com). Monthly expenses are estimated at $3,383 for singles and $7,450 for families of four (as reported by Salary.com).
Housing costs in Bellflower are considerably higher than the national average, with utility prices also being slightly above average (as reported by Payscale). Transportation expenses, including bus fares and gas prices, are 38% higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale). Grocery prices are also 9% higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale).
Job Market and Economy
Employment Statistics
Bellflower’s unemployment rate has seen fluctuations, with recent data indicating a rate of 5.60% as of April 2026, which is lower than the long-term average (as reported by YCharts). This rate is also 29% higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). The city’s labor force consists of approximately 40,223 people (as reported by ZoomProspector).
The economy of Bellflower employs around 37,300 people (as reported by Data USA). Major industries include Health Care & Social Assistance, Manufacturing, and Retail Trade (as reported by Data USA). The highest paying industries are Utilities, Public Administration, and Finance & Insurance (as reported by Data USA).
Major Employers
Several key employers contribute to the job market in Bellflower. Among the prominent companies are McDonald’s, FedEx, Target, ALDI, UPS, Kroger, Starbucks, and the United States Postal Service (as reported by Indeed.com). Other significant employers include NORMS Restaurants, St. John Bosco High School, and Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles (as reported by Lensa). The presence of these companies offers diverse employment opportunities across various sectors.
Climate and Weather
Bellflower experiences a Mediterranean climate, characterized by warm summers and mild winters. The temperature typically ranges from 47°F to 83°F throughout the year, rarely dropping below 40°F or exceeding 92°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Summers are generally short, warm, arid, and clear, while winters are long, cool, wet, and partly cloudy (as reported by Time and Date).
The average annual rainfall in Bellflower is approximately 13 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The wettest month is typically February, with an average of 3.2 inches of rain, while July is the driest month with almost no precipitation (as reported by Time and Date). The warmest month is August, with an average high of 83°F and a low of 66°F, while December is the coldest, with an average high of 67°F and a low of 47°F (as reported by Time and Date).
Education and Schools
Bellflower is served by the Bellflower Unified School District, which is rated as an above-average public school district (as reported by Niche). The district serves approximately 9,813 students in grades K-12, with a student-teacher ratio of 22 to 1 (as reported by Niche). State test scores indicate that 23% of students are proficient in math and 41% in reading (as reported by Niche).
Within the district, schools like Compton Early College High School and Downey High School receive strong ratings (as reported by Niche). Bellflower High School, serving grades 7-12, has an overall Niche grade of B and a student-teacher ratio of 20 to 1 (as reported by Niche). While the district has a B rating, the cost of living within the district is rated as D+ and it is rated B- for being good for families (as reported by Niche).
Demographics and Diversity
Bellflower has a population of approximately 76,819 residents, with a median age of 36 (as reported by Point2Homes). The city’s racial makeup is diverse, with a significant Hispanic or Latino population. As of the latest data, 60.4% of Bellflower residents identify as Hispanic or Latino, which is considerably higher than the California state average of 40.2% (as reported by Census Dots). Other racial groups include White (13.9%), Asian (11.3%), and Black (10.5%) residents (as reported by Census Dots).
The population includes a notable percentage of foreign-born residents, with 30.7% of individuals born outside the United States (as reported by Data USA). The age distribution shows that adults between 25 and 44 make up the largest segment of the population at 30%, followed by those aged 45 to 64 at 25.5% (as reported by Point2Homes). The city is home to approximately 23,802 households, with an average of three members per household (as reported by Point2Homes).