East Compton, CA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
13,353
-0.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$72,937/yr
7.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
3,395
0.2% year-over-year change

East Compton population

How many people live in East Compton

East Compton is home to 13,353 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.2% of East Compton locals are male, and 50.8% are female.

Total population
13,353
-0.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.2%
6,576
Female
50.8%
6,777
Value Percent YoY change
Male 6,576 49.2% -1.2%
Female 6,777 50.8% 0.7%
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 East Compton is 34, with the population distributed as follows: about 21.1% are children under 15, then 16.5% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 28.2% of the population, while another 24% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 10.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
33.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
21.1%
15 to 24
16.5%
25 to 44
28.2%
45 to 64
24%
Over 65
10.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 2,821 21.1% -2.8%
15 to 24 2,200 16.5% 4.5%
25 to 44 3,760 28.2% -0.2%
45 to 64 3,208 24% -1.9%
Over 65 1,364 10.2% 1.8%
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 East Compton, 61.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 15.5% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 22.7% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 8.9% of locals are Caucasian, 17.2% are African American and 1.2% have Asian roots. Another 2.4% are Indigenous American, 0.3% are Pacific Islanders, while 31.5% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 38.5% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
61.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
15.5%
Non-citizens
22.7%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 8,250 61.8% -1.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 2,073 15.5% -0.3%
Non-citizens 3,031 22.7% 4.8%
Racial breakdown
White
8.9%
Black or African American
17.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
2.4%
Asian
1.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.3%
Two or more races
38.5%
Other
31.5%
Value Percent
White 1,192 8.9%
Black or African American 2,293 17.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 320 2.4%
Asian 157 1.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 44 0.3%
Two or more races 5,141 38.5%
Other 4,207 31.5%

Households in East Compton

A peek inside East Compton households

East Compton has 3,268 households, with an average of 4 members in each. Of these, 78.6% are families, while the remaining 21.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
3,268
0.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
4
Non-family households
699
Family households
2,569
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 699 21.4% 6.1%
Family households 2,569 78.6% -1.5%
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 East Compton

The housing landscape of East Compton

East Compton's housing consists of 3,395 units, with 64.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 5.8% 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 2.8% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
3,395
0.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,200 64.8%
1 unit, attached 198 5.8%
2 units 158 4.6%
3 or 4 units 269 7.9%
5 to 9 units 262 7.7%
10 to 19 units 105 3.1%
20 to 49 units 49 1.4%
50 or more units 51 1.5%
Mobile home 95 2.8%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 8 0.2%
Homes built since 2020
5
25.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in East Compton

In East Compton, the median construction year is 1955. About 16.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 23.4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 3.4% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 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 562 16.6% 2.7%
Built between 1940 and 1949 794 23.4% -9.4%
Built between 1950 and 1959 734 21.6% 7.6%
Built between 1960 and 1969 413 12.2% -2.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 224 6.6% 22.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 247 7.3% 0.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 162 4.8% -13.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 117 3.4% 17.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 136 4% -1.4%
Built in 2020 or later 5 0.2% 25.0%
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.

East Compton occupancy rates

Out of the 3,268 occupied housing units in East Compton, 51% are owner-occupied, while 49% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 3.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
3,268
0.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,602
Owner occupied
1,666
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,602 49% 5.2%
Owner occupied 1,666 51% -4.5%
Unoccupied housing units
3.7%
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.

East Compton housing costs

Housing costs in East Compton come to a median of $1,684 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,678.

Median housing costs per month
$1,684/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 East Compton
$1,678/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 East Compton

East Compton education at a glance

About 44.9% of the population in East Compton went to high school, while 19.4% pursued college studies. Another 4.3% earned an associate degree and 6.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 1.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 2,342 23.8% -0.2%
High school diploma 4,415 44.9% 1.4%
College diploma 1,911 19.4% -1.3%
Associate degree 419 4.3% -2.3%
Bachelor's degree 605 6.2% 0.3%
Graduate degree 133 1.4% 5.6%
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 East Compton

How much people earn in East Compton

The average annual household income in East Compton was $86,846 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3.5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $72,937, reflecting a +7% shift over the same period.

Average household income in East Compton
$86,846/year
3.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in East Compton
$72,937/year
7.0% year-over-year change

East Compton income by age

In East Compton, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $79,719. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $83,420 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $37,784, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $47,813 in earnings. Overall, 82.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $37,784 N/A
25 - 44 $79,719 16.4%
45 - 64 $83,420 3.2%
Over 65 $47,813 9.6%
Above poverty level
10,840
Below poverty level
2,314
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 10,840 82.4% -0.1%
Below poverty level 2,314 17.6% -1.1%

Employment in East Compton

Workforce and job types in East Compton

59.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 40.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9.2% run their own businesses, 73.4% are employed by private companies, and 12.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
3,488
Blue collar
2,369
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 3,488 59.6% 1.5%
Blue collar 2,369 40.4% -2.6%
Employer type
Self employees
9.2%
Private companies
73.4%
Governmental workers
12.4%
Not for profit companies
5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 538 9.2% 0.0%
Private companies 4,300 73.4% -3.0%
Governmental workers 727 12.4% 13.4%
Not for profit companies 293 5% 14.9%

Transportation in East Compton

How people get around in East Compton

Commuting methods vary: 95.1% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.2% 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 5,183 95.1% -1.1%
Bus or trolleybus 169 3.1% -10.6%
Railroad 9 0.2% 0.0%
Bicycle 23 0.4% 27.8%
Walk 67 1.2% 103.0%
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.

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FAQs about East Compton demographics 

What is the total population of East Compton?

East Compton has a total population of 13,353 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 -0.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in East Compton?

The gender ratio in East Compton is as follows:
  • 49.2% males (6,576 residents)
  • 50.8% females (6,777 residents)

What is the median age in East Compton?

The median age in East Compton is 33.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in East Compton?

The age distribution in East Compton is as follows:
  • Under 15: 21.1% (2,821 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 16.5% (2,200 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 28.2% (3,760 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24% (3,208 residents)
  • Over 65: 10.2% (1,364 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of East Compton?

The racial and ethnic makeup of East Compton is as follows:
  • White: 8.9% (1,192 residents)
  • Black or African American: 17.2% (2,293 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 2.4% (320 residents)
  • Asian: 1.2% (157 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.3% (44 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 38.5% (5,141 residents)
  • Other: 31.5% (4,207 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 61.8% of the population in East Compton.

How many housing units are there in East Compton?

There are 3,395 housing units in East Compton, reflecting a +0.2% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

East Compton has a total of 3,268 households, with an average of 4 people in each.

What is the median household income in East Compton?

East Compton has a median household income of $72,937, representing a +7.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for East Compton?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 59.6% (3,488 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 40.4% (2,369 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9.2% (538 residents)
  • Private companies: 73.4% (4,300 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 12.4% (727 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 5% (293 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