Gardena, CA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
59,422
-0.6% year-over-year change
Median household income
$84,803/yr
7.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
21,837
-0.9% year-over-year change

Gardena population

How many people live in Gardena

Gardena is home to 59,422 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47.1% of Gardena locals are male, and 52.9% are female.

Total population
59,422
-0.6% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47.1%
27,974
Female
52.9%
31,448
Value Percent YoY change
Male 27,974 47.1% -2.3%
Female 31,448 52.9% 1.1%
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 Gardena is 40, with the population distributed as follows: about 17.4% are children under 15, then 10.7% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 28.5% of the population, while another 26.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 16.9% are 65 or older.

Median age
39.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.4%
15 to 24
10.7%
25 to 44
28.5%
45 to 64
26.4%
Over 65
16.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 10,355 17.4% 5.0%
15 to 24 6,366 10.7% -7.4%
25 to 44 16,938 28.5% 1.0%
45 to 64 15,710 26.4% -2.4%
Over 65 10,053 16.9% -1.0%
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 Gardena, 62.1% of the population are US-born citizens, while 21.7% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 16.2% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 11.7% of locals are Caucasian, 17.8% are African American and 26.1% have Asian roots. Another 2.1% are Indigenous American, 0.2% are Pacific Islanders, while 22.7% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 19.3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
62.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
21.7%
Non-citizens
16.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 36,902 62.1% -1.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 12,893 21.7% 0.6%
Non-citizens 9,627 16.2% 1.9%
Racial breakdown
White
11.7%
Black or African American
17.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
2.1%
Asian
26.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.2%
Two or more races
19.3%
Other
22.7%
Value Percent
White 6,973 11.7%
Black or African American 10,601 17.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 1,246 2.1%
Asian 15,490 26.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 130 0.2%
Two or more races 11,491 19.3%
Other 13,491 22.7%

Households in Gardena

A peek inside Gardena households

Gardena has 20,822 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 69.8% are families, while the remaining 30.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
20,822
-0.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
6,283
Family households
14,539
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 6,283 30.2% -3.5%
Family households 14,539 69.8% 1.1%
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 Gardena

The housing landscape of Gardena

Gardena's housing consists of 21,837 units, with 43.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 9% 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 5.7% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
21,837
-0.9% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 9,566 43.8%
1 unit, attached 1,955 9%
2 units 700 3.2%
3 or 4 units 2,143 9.8%
5 to 9 units 1,650 7.6%
10 to 19 units 1,994 9.1%
20 to 49 units 1,779 8.2%
50 or more units 779 3.6%
Mobile home 1,247 5.7%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 24 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
279
31.6% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Gardena

In Gardena, the median construction year is 1964. About 4.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 11.2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 5.1% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 3.5% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.3% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 907 4.2% -16.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 2,444 11.2% -3.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 6,192 28.4% 2.3%
Built between 1960 and 1969 3,613 16.6% -3.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 2,466 11.3% 4.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 2,552 11.7% -1.3%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,513 6.9% -1.1%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,104 5.1% 5.5%
Built between 2010 and 2019 767 3.5% -14.7%
Built in 2020 or later 279 1.3% 31.6%
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.

Gardena occupancy rates

Out of the 20,822 occupied housing units in Gardena, 48.8% are owner-occupied, while 51.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 4.6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
20,822
-0.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
10,653
Owner occupied
10,169
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 10,653 51.2% -0.3%
Owner occupied 10,169 48.8% -0.4%
Unoccupied housing units
4.6%
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.

Gardena housing costs

Housing costs in Gardena come to a median of $1,851 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,809.

Median housing costs per month
$1,851/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 Gardena
$1,809/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 Gardena

Gardena education at a glance

About 32% of the population in Gardena went to high school, while 23.5% pursued college studies. Another 7.9% earned an associate degree and 19.9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 7.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 4,384 9.3% -10.4%
High school diploma 15,075 32% 1.6%
College diploma 11,101 23.5% -9.7%
Associate degree 3,728 7.9% 10.4%
Bachelor's degree 9,400 19.9% 3.5%
Graduate degree 3,464 7.4% 1.6%
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 Gardena

How much people earn in Gardena

The average annual household income in Gardena was $105,223 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +5.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $84,803, reflecting a +7% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Gardena
$105,223/year
5.4% year-over-year change
Median household income in Gardena
$84,803/year
7.0% year-over-year change

Gardena income by age

In Gardena, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $87,199. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $103,221 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $57,557, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $65,585 in earnings. Overall, 88.3% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $57,557 47.7%
25 - 44 $87,199 -1.3%
45 - 64 $103,221 9.2%
Over 65 $65,585 6.3%
Above poverty level
51,090
Below poverty level
6,781
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 51,090 88.3% -1.4%
Below poverty level 6,781 11.7% 5.2%

Average renter income in Gardena

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Gardena, their median household income was $59,511 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 36.5%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$59,511
Rent-to-income ratio
36.5%
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 Gardena

Workforce and job types in Gardena

The job market in Gardena is powered by 29,874 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 79.7% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 20.3% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 11.2% run their own businesses, 65.6% are employed by private companies, and 15.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
29,874
-1.6% year-over-year change
White collar
23,817
Blue collar
6,057
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 23,817 79.7% -0.8%
Blue collar 6,057 20.3% -5.0%
Employer type
Self employees
11.2%
Private companies
65.6%
Governmental workers
15.2%
Not for profit companies
8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 3,344 11.2% 9.2%
Private companies 19,584 65.6% -3.1%
Governmental workers 4,552 15.2% -5.1%
Not for profit companies 2,394 8% 4.3%
Unemployment rate
6.2%
17.2% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Gardena stands at 6.2%, 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 Gardena

How people get around in Gardena

In Gardena, the average commute time is 29 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 83.2% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.9% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
29 min
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 24,067 83.2% -3.3%
Taxicab 50 0.2% -62.1%
Bus or trolleybus 760 2.6% -0.8%
Subway or elevated 62 0.2% N/A
Railroad 18 0.1% -5.3%
Motorcycle 141 0.5% -4.7%
Bicycle 91 0.3% -4.2%
Walk 554 1.9% -14.9%
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 Gardena by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
90247 47,053 16,214 $77,333 $99,899
90248 11,235 4,080 $91,176 $114,522
90249 26,290 8,891 $89,712 $108,559

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FAQs about Gardena demographics 

What is the total population of Gardena?

Gardena has a total population of 59,422 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 -0.6% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Gardena?

The gender ratio in Gardena is as follows:
  • 47.1% males (27,974 residents)
  • 52.9% females (31,448 residents)

What is the median age in Gardena?

The median age in Gardena is 39.6.

What is the age distribution of the population in Gardena?

The age distribution in Gardena is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17.4% (10,355 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 10.7% (6,366 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 28.5% (16,938 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 26.4% (15,710 residents)
  • Over 65: 16.9% (10,053 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Gardena?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Gardena is as follows:
  • White: 11.7% (6,973 residents)
  • Black or African American: 17.8% (10,601 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 2.1% (1,246 residents)
  • Asian: 26.1% (15,490 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.2% (130 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 19.3% (11,491 residents)
  • Other: 22.7% (13,491 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 62.1% of the population in Gardena.

How many housing units are there in Gardena?

There are 21,837 housing units in Gardena, reflecting a -0.9% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Gardena has a total of 20,822 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Gardena?

Gardena has a median household income of $84,803, representing a +7.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 93.8% in Gardena, with a workforce of 29,874 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 79.7% (23,817 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 20.3% (6,057 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 11.2% (3,344 residents)
  • Private companies: 65.6% (19,584 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 15.2% (4,552 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8% (2,394 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