Compton, CA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
92,698
-0.9% year-over-year change
Median household income
$78,465/yr
5.7% year-over-year change
Housing units
25,039
-0.5% year-over-year change

Compton population

How many people live in Compton

Compton is home to 92,698 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.8% of Compton locals are male, and 51.2% are female.

Total population
92,698
-0.9% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.8%
45,196
Female
51.2%
47,502
Value Percent YoY change
Male 45,196 48.8% -1.6%
Female 47,502 51.2% -0.2%
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 Compton is 33, with the population distributed as follows: about 22.6% are children under 15, then 14.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 28.2% of the population, while another 23.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 10.7% are 65 or older.

Median age
33.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
22.6%
15 to 24
14.8%
25 to 44
28.2%
45 to 64
23.7%
Over 65
10.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 20,976 22.6% -3.1%
15 to 24 13,728 14.8% 4.1%
25 to 44 26,125 28.2% -1.5%
45 to 64 21,969 23.7% -1.3%
Over 65 9,900 10.7% 0.1%
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 Compton, 68% of the population are US-born citizens, while 12.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 19.5% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 7.5% of locals are Caucasian, 24.1% are African American and 1.3% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 29.3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
68%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
12.6%
Non-citizens
19.5%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 62,997 68% -2.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 11,632 12.6% -1.0%
Non-citizens 18,069 19.5% 4.0%
Racial breakdown
White
7.5%
Black or African American
24.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1.5%
Asian
1.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
29.3%
Other
36.2%
Value Percent
White 6,946 7.5%
Black or African American 22,380 24.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native 1,406 1.5%
Asian 1,228 1.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 19 0%
Two or more races 27,158 29.3%
Other 33,561 36.2%

Households in Compton

A peek inside Compton households

Compton has 24,011 households, with an average of 4 members in each. Of these, 79% are families, while the remaining 21% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
24,011
-0.9% year-over-year change
Average people per household
4
Non-family households
5,044
Family households
18,967
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 5,044 21% 3.7%
Family households 18,967 79% -2.0%
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 Compton

The housing landscape of Compton

Compton's housing consists of 25,039 units, with 67.3% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 6.5% 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 2.6% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
25,039
-0.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 16,840 67.3%
1 unit, attached 1,635 6.5%
2 units 1,033 4.1%
3 or 4 units 1,908 7.6%
5 to 9 units 1,373 5.5%
10 to 19 units 668 2.7%
20 to 49 units 392 1.6%
50 or more units 502 2%
Mobile home 656 2.6%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 32 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
39
50.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Compton

In Compton, the median construction year is 1957. About 9.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 20.7% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 4% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 3.4% 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 2,366 9.4% -10.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 5,179 20.7% -6.4%
Built between 1950 and 1959 7,133 28.5% 5.9%
Built between 1960 and 1969 2,529 10.1% -7.1%
Built between 1970 and 1979 2,167 8.6% 7.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 2,226 8.9% -4.8%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,546 6.2% -4.9%
Built between 2000 and 2009 994 4% 14.1%
Built between 2010 and 2019 860 3.4% 30.5%
Built in 2020 or later 39 0.2% 50.0%
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.

Compton occupancy rates

Out of the 24,011 occupied housing units in Compton, 56.4% are owner-occupied, while 43.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 4.1% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
24,011
-0.9% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
10,467
Owner occupied
13,544
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 10,467 43.6% 1.5%
Owner occupied 13,544 56.4% -2.7%
Unoccupied housing units
4.1%
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.

Compton housing costs

Housing costs in Compton come to a median of $1,772 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,664.

Median housing costs per month
$1,772/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 Compton
$1,664/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 Compton

Compton education at a glance

About 41.8% of the population in Compton went to high school, while 21.3% pursued college studies. Another 6.3% earned an associate degree and 7.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 2.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 13,813 20.5% -0.5%
High school diploma 28,184 41.8% 0.7%
College diploma 14,318 21.3% -2.3%
Associate degree 4,262 6.3% -0.4%
Bachelor's degree 4,957 7.4% -1.7%
Graduate degree 1,813 2.7% -5.4%
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 Compton

How much people earn in Compton

The average annual household income in Compton was $91,788 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +4.9% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $78,465, reflecting a +5.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Compton
$91,788/year
4.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in Compton
$78,465/year
5.7% year-over-year change

Compton income by age

In Compton, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $79,989. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $89,620 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $39,151, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $49,410 in earnings. Overall, 82.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $39,151 -24.4%
25 - 44 $79,989 9.1%
45 - 64 $89,620 3.3%
Over 65 $49,410 0.8%
Above poverty level
74,901
Below poverty level
16,215
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 74,901 82.2% -1.9%
Below poverty level 16,215 17.8% 2.9%

Average renter income in Compton

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Compton, their median household income was $48,128 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 41.5%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$48,128
Rent-to-income ratio
41.5%
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 Compton

Workforce and job types in Compton

The job market in Compton is powered by 41,257 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 64.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 35.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.7% run their own businesses, 72.3% are employed by private companies, and 13.5% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
41,257
-0.9% year-over-year change
White collar
26,729
Blue collar
14,528
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 26,729 64.8% 2.6%
Blue collar 14,528 35.2% -6.8%
Employer type
Self employees
8.7%
Private companies
72.3%
Governmental workers
13.5%
Not for profit companies
5.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 3,581 8.7% 1.8%
Private companies 29,847 72.3% -4.2%
Governmental workers 5,561 13.5% 9.8%
Not for profit companies 2,268 5.5% 18.8%
Unemployment rate
8.0%
12.8% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Compton stands at 8%, 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 Compton

How people get around in Compton

Commuting methods vary: 87.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.9% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 35,479 87.8% -2.8%
Taxicab 99 0.2% -29.3%
Bus or trolleybus 1,287 3.2% 13.6%
Subway or elevated 249 0.6% N/A
Railroad 34 0.1% 0.0%
Motorcycle 15 0% -55.9%
Bicycle 133 0.3% 31.7%
Walk 365 0.9% 49.6%
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 Compton by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
90220 48,354 13,455 $82,335 $95,645
90221 50,659 12,398 $72,937 $88,542
90222 32,340 8,471 $78,425 $91,512

Find your place

Explore more communities

FAQs about Compton demographics 

What is the total population of Compton?

Compton has a total population of 92,698 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 -0.9% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Compton?

The gender ratio in Compton is as follows:
  • 48.8% males (45,196 residents)
  • 51.2% females (47,502 residents)

What is the median age in Compton?

The median age in Compton is 33.3.

What is the age distribution of the population in Compton?

The age distribution in Compton is as follows:
  • Under 15: 22.6% (20,976 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 14.8% (13,728 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 28.2% (26,125 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 23.7% (21,969 residents)
  • Over 65: 10.7% (9,900 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Compton?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Compton is as follows:
  • White: 7.5% (6,946 residents)
  • Black or African American: 24.1% (22,380 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.5% (1,406 residents)
  • Asian: 1.3% (1,228 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (19 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 29.3% (27,158 residents)
  • Other: 36.2% (33,561 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 68% of the population in Compton.

How many housing units are there in Compton?

There are 25,039 housing units in Compton, reflecting a -0.5% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Compton has a total of 24,011 households, with an average of 4 people in each.

What is the median household income in Compton?

Compton has a median household income of $78,465, representing a +5.7% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Compton?

The employment rate is 92% in Compton, with a workforce of 41,257 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 64.8% (26,729 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 35.2% (14,528 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.7% (3,581 residents)
  • Private companies: 72.3% (29,847 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 13.5% (5,561 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 5.5% (2,268 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