Is Compton Safe, Pros and cons of living in Compton
Compton, California, situated in Los Angeles County, is a city with a rich history and a diverse community. Known as the “Hub City,” it holds a significant place in Southern California’s development and continues to evolve. Understanding the various facets of life in Compton is essential for anyone considering a move to this vibrant locale.
This article delves into the current conditions in Compton, covering aspects such as safety, cost of living, employment, education, and climate. By providing a comprehensive overview, it aims to offer valuable insights for prospective residents.
Is it Safe to Live in Compton?
Compton faces significant challenges regarding crime rates. The city’s overall crime rate is considerably higher than both the national and state averages, with violent crime rates also substantially above the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Property crime rates are also notably higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes).
In terms of specific offenses, violent crimes in Compton are 254.1% higher than the national average, and property crimes are 78.7% higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). The FBI crime data indicates that the average violent crime rate stands at 120.7 per 100k residents, which is 13.6% above the national average, while property crime averages 322.2 per 100k, which is 96.9% above the national average (as reported by FBI crime data). Consequently, your chance of becoming a victim of crime in Compton is one in 23 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).
Cost of Living
Housing Costs
The cost of living in Compton is higher than the national average, with housing expenses being a significant factor. Housing costs in Compton are approximately 67% higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale). The median sale price of a home in Compton was $640K as of March 2026 (as reported by Redfin).
Rental prices in Compton are also substantial. The average rent in Compton, California, is $2,500 per month, which is 25% higher than the national average (as reported by Zillow). For a two-bedroom apartment, the average rent is $2,500 per month (as reported by Zillow).
Everyday Expenses
Beyond housing, other expenses contribute to Compton’s cost of living. Utility prices are 9% higher than the national average, and transportation expenses 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).
Overall, Compton’s cost of living is estimated to be 37% higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale). This higher cost of living is driven by soaring housing costs, elevated transportation expenses, and rising food prices (as reported by Salary.com).
Job Market and Economy
Employment and Unemployment
The employment rate in Compton, CA, is currently 92.14% (as reported by BestNeighborhood.org). However, the unemployment rate in Compton, CA, is at 6.20% as of February 2026 (as reported by YCharts). This rate is lower than the long-term average of 12.38% (as reported by YCharts).
The median household income in Compton was $78,465 in 2024 (as reported by US Census Bureau’s American Community Survey). Despite this, 15.1% of Compton families live in poverty (as reported by US Census Bureau’s American Community Survey).
Major Employers
Compton hosts a variety of major employers across different sectors. Key companies include Walmart, McDonald’s, FedEx, ALDI, Target, UPS, Kroger, Starbucks, Amazon.com, and the United States Postal Service (as reported by Indeed.com). Additionally, national and international corporations like 3-M, Datsun, Ralphs, and Xerox have a presence in the Walnut Industrial Park (as reported by City of Compton).
Other significant employers in the area include Ralphs, a major supermarket chain, and Crane Worldwide Logistics, which provides logistics solutions (as reported by Zippia). The city’s industrial and commercial complexes house numerous businesses, contributing to the local economy.
Climate
Temperatures and Rainfall
Compton experiences a climate characterized by short, warm, arid, and clear summers, and long, cool, wet, and partly cloudy winters (as reported by Weather Spark). Throughout the year, temperatures typically range from 48°F to 81°F, rarely dropping below 42°F or exceeding 88°F (as reported by Weather Spark).
The warm season lasts approximately 2.9 months, from early July to early October, with average daily high temperatures above 78°F. August is the hottest month, with an average high of 80°F and a low of 66°F. The cool season extends for about 4.1 months, from late November to early April, with average daily high temperatures below 69°F. December is the coldest month, with an average low of 49°F and a high of 67°F (as reported by Weather Spark).
Education
School District Ratings
The Compton Unified School District receives an overall grade of B-minus (as reported by Niche). Within California, it ranks among the top school districts for athletes and for having good teachers (as reported by Niche).
Individual schools within the district vary in their ratings. For example, Compton High School has a C+ overall Niche grade, with 17% of students proficient in math and 49% in reading (as reported by Niche). Compton Early College High School, however, has a higher rating of 3.98 out of 5 on Niche (as reported by Niche).
Demographics
Population and Diversity
Compton’s population was estimated at 91,126 in 2026 (as reported by World Population Review). The racial composition is diverse, with Hispanic or Latino individuals forming the largest group at 72.9% (as reported by US Census Bureau’s American Community Survey). Black or African American residents constitute 23.7% of the population, followed by Asian residents at 1.1% (as reported by US Census Bureau’s American Community Survey).
The median age in Compton is 33.3 years (as reported by US Census Bureau’s American Community Survey). The city’s population has seen a slight decrease, with a projected annual rate of change of -0.8% (as reported by US Census Bureau’s American Community Survey).
Income and Poverty
The median household income in Compton was $78,465 in 2024 (as reported by US Census Bureau’s American Community Survey). However, a significant portion of families, 15.1%, live below the poverty line (as reported by US Census Bureau’s American Community Survey).
The poverty rate in Compton is 19.5%, which is higher than the national average of 15.1% (as reported by AreaVibes). This economic disparity can contribute to various social challenges within the community.