Bell Gardens, CA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
38,229
-1.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$62,298/yr
12.5% year-over-year change
Housing units
9,983
0.3% year-over-year change

Bell Gardens population

How many people live in Bell Gardens

Bell Gardens is home to 38,229 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.5% of Bell Gardens locals are male, and 49.5% are female.

Total population
38,229
-1.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.5%
19,310
Female
49.5%
18,919
Value Percent YoY change
Male 19,310 50.5% -0.8%
Female 18,919 49.5% -1.5%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Bell Gardens is 32, with the population distributed as follows: about 21.8% are children under 15, then 16.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 28.9% of the population, while another 23.1% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 9.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
32.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
21.8%
15 to 24
16.6%
25 to 44
28.9%
45 to 64
23.1%
Over 65
9.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 8,322 21.8% -5.0%
15 to 24 6,361 16.6% 6.0%
25 to 44 11,065 28.9% -1.7%
45 to 64 8,829 23.1% -1.6%
Over 65 3,652 9.6% -0.3%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Bell Gardens, 57.5% of the population are US-born citizens, while 12.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 29.6% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 10.7% of locals are Caucasian, 0.6% are African American and 0.6% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 57.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
57.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
12.8%
Non-citizens
29.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 21,990 57.5% -1.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 4,906 12.8% 1.7%
Non-citizens 11,333 29.6% -1.4%
Racial breakdown
White
10.7%
Black or African American
0.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1.7%
Asian
0.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
57.6%
Other
28.8%
Value Percent
White 4,101 10.7%
Black or African American 212 0.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native 663 1.7%
Asian 212 0.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 18 0%
Two or more races 22,007 57.6%
Other 11,016 28.8%

Households in Bell Gardens

A peek inside Bell Gardens households

Bell Gardens has 9,713 households, with an average of 4 members in each. Of these, 84.2% are families, while the remaining 15.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
9,713
-0.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
4
Non-family households
1,533
Family households
8,180
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,533 15.8% -1.6%
Family households 8,180 84.2% -0.1%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Bell Gardens

The housing landscape of Bell Gardens

Bell Gardens's housing consists of 9,983 units, with 52.6% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 16.8% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 5.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
9,983
0.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 5,252 52.6%
1 unit, attached 1,676 16.8%
2 units 425 4.3%
3 or 4 units 808 8.1%
5 to 9 units 381 3.8%
10 to 19 units 363 3.6%
20 to 49 units 333 3.3%
50 or more units 221 2.2%
Mobile home 524 5.2%
Homes built since 2020
20
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Bell Gardens

In Bell Gardens, the median construction year is 1960. About 7.1% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 22.2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 6.8% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 5.1% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 713 7.1% -12.6%
Built between 1940 and 1949 2,218 22.2% 9.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 2,115 21.2% -9.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,078 10.8% -13.6%
Built between 1970 and 1979 895 9% 5.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 991 9.9% 20.3%
Built between 1990 and 1999 759 7.6% -7.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 683 6.8% 20.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 511 5.1% 10.4%
Built in 2020 or later 20 0.2% N/A
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Bell Gardens occupancy rates

Out of the 9,713 occupied housing units in Bell Gardens, 21.2% are owner-occupied, while 78.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 2.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
9,713
-0.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
7,653
Owner occupied
2,060
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 7,653 78.8% -0.3%
Owner occupied 2,060 21.2% -0.4%
Unoccupied housing units
2.7%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Bell Gardens housing costs

Housing costs in Bell Gardens come to a median of $1,671 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,694.

Median housing costs per month
$1,671/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Bell Gardens
$1,694/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Bell Gardens

Bell Gardens education at a glance

About 43.1% of the population in Bell Gardens went to high school, while 16.9% pursued college studies. Another 4.5% earned an associate degree and 5.9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 1.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 7,844 28.4% -4.6%
High school diploma 11,917 43.1% 1.2%
College diploma 4,662 16.9% -3.9%
Associate degree 1,236 4.5% 8.1%
Bachelor's degree 1,631 5.9% 0.5%
Graduate degree 338 1.2% 33.1%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Bell Gardens

How much people earn in Bell Gardens

The average annual household income in Bell Gardens was $76,374 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +9.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $62,298, reflecting a +12.5% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Bell Gardens
$76,374/year
9.6% year-over-year change
Median household income in Bell Gardens
$62,298/year
12.5% year-over-year change

Bell Gardens income by age

In Bell Gardens, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $60,583. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $76,190 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $46,964, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $37,685 in earnings. Overall, 80.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $46,964 -23.6%
25 - 44 $60,583 11.4%
45 - 64 $76,190 15.5%
Over 65 $37,685 8.3%
Above poverty level
30,135
Below poverty level
7,449
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 30,135 80.2% 1.9%
Below poverty level 7,449 19.8% -8.9%

Average renter income in Bell Gardens

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Bell Gardens, their median household income was $51,076 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 39.8%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$51,076
Rent-to-income ratio
39.8%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Bell Gardens

Workforce and job types in Bell Gardens

The job market in Bell Gardens is powered by 16,511 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 56.7% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 43.3% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.9% run their own businesses, 76.9% are employed by private companies, and 8.5% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
16,511
-0.3% year-over-year change
White collar
9,361
Blue collar
7,150
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 9,361 56.7% 2.9%
Blue collar 7,150 43.3% -4.1%
Employer type
Self employees
8.9%
Private companies
76.9%
Governmental workers
8.5%
Not for profit companies
5.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,474 8.9% 23.6%
Private companies 12,695 76.9% -4.0%
Governmental workers 1,403 8.5% 4.9%
Not for profit companies 939 5.7% 17.8%
Unemployment rate
5.9%
-2.2% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Bell Gardens stands at 5.9%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Bell Gardens

How people get around in Bell Gardens

In Bell Gardens, the average commute time is 28 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 84.7% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 4% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
28 min
-1.8% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 13,620 84.7% -1.0%
Taxicab 49 0.3% N/A
Bus or trolleybus 560 3.5% 13.6%
Bicycle 148 0.9% -5.7%
Walk 635 4% 4.3%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Bell Gardens by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
90201 92,763 24,657 $60,927 $74,189

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FAQs about Bell Gardens demographics 

What is the total population of Bell Gardens?

Bell Gardens has a total population of 38,229 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -1.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Bell Gardens?

The gender ratio in Bell Gardens is as follows:
  • 50.5% males (19,310 residents)
  • 49.5% females (18,919 residents)

What is the median age in Bell Gardens?

The median age in Bell Gardens is 32.3.

What is the age distribution of the population in Bell Gardens?

The age distribution in Bell Gardens is as follows:
  • Under 15: 21.8% (8,322 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 16.6% (6,361 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 28.9% (11,065 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 23.1% (8,829 residents)
  • Over 65: 9.6% (3,652 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Bell Gardens?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Bell Gardens is as follows:
  • White: 10.7% (4,101 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.6% (212 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.7% (663 residents)
  • Asian: 0.6% (212 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (18 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 57.6% (22,007 residents)
  • Other: 28.8% (11,016 residents)

What percentage of the population in Bell Gardens are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 57.5% of the population in Bell Gardens.

How many housing units are there in Bell Gardens?

There are 9,983 housing units in Bell Gardens, reflecting a +0.3% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Bell Gardens and what is the average household size?

Bell Gardens has a total of 9,713 households, with an average of 4 people in each.

What is the median household income in Bell Gardens?

Bell Gardens has a median household income of $62,298, representing a +12.5% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Bell Gardens?

The employment rate is 94.1% in Bell Gardens, with a workforce of 16,511 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 56.7% (9,361 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 43.3% (7,150 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.9% (1,474 residents)
  • Private companies: 76.9% (12,695 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 8.5% (1,403 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 5.7% (939 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025