Deep Dive Relocation Report: Compton, CA (2026)

Compton: The Data Profile (2026)

Compton presents a complex economic paradox in the 2026 post-remote landscape. The city supports a population of 91,004, yet its $69,965 median income lags -6.2% behind the US average of $74,580. This income deficit is compounded by a significant education gap; only 8.6% of residents hold a college degree, compared to the national average of 33.1%. Consequently, the city's Cost of Living Index is heavily skewed by a +45.0% premium in housing, creating a high-barrier entry point despite lower median earnings.

The statistical target demographic for Compton in 2026 is the "Essential Commuter" or the "Service-Industry Anchor." This profile fits individuals working in logistics, healthcare support, or municipal services who require access to the greater Los Angeles basin but cannot afford the median home prices of adjacent suburbs. It is also attractive to remote workers maximizing a lower salary by arbitraging housing costs, provided they can navigate the local safety and infrastructure metrics.

Cost of Living Analysis

The cost of living in Compton is driven almost exclusively by housing and energy costs. While groceries and transportation hover near the national median, the 145.0 housing index dictates the monthly budget reality. Electricity costs are a major outlier at 31.97 cents/kWh, nearly double the US average of 16.0 cents, significantly impacting summer cooling costs.

Table 1: Monthly Cost of Living Breakdown (2026 Estimates)

Disposable Income Analysis:
A single earner with the median income of $69,965 takes home approximately $4,350 monthly (after taxes). The estimated monthly cost of $3,515 leaves a disposable income of only $835. This margin is thin and highly sensitive to inflation in the transportation and healthcare sectors.

Housing Market Deep Dive

The housing market is the defining economic pressure point. With a median home price of $685,000, Compton is +42.7% more expensive than the national median. The price-per-square-foot sits at $435. The Rent-to-Income ratio is critical here; renting a 1-bedroom unit at $1,850 consumes 32% of the median household income, while a 3-bedroom rental at $2,601 consumes 45%, classifying it as a "cost-burdened" threshold.

Table 2: Housing Market Data (Buying vs Renting Analysis)

Buy vs. Rent Verdict:
Relative to the national curve, renting is the mathematically superior short-to-medium-term option. The entry cost for purchasing a home requires a $137,000 down payment (20%) and a monthly mortgage payment likely exceeding $4,000 at current 2026 interest rates. This is unsustainable for the median earner. Renting offers liquidity and avoids the maintenance risks associated with older housing stock prevalent in the area.

Economic & Job Market Outlook

In the 2026 post-remote economy, Compton's job market is defined by commuter dependency. With only 8.6% college education, local high-paying remote tech jobs are scarce. The local economy relies on logistics (proximity to ports), retail, and municipal jobs.

Commute Analysis:
Commuting to central Los Angeles or Silicon Beach is mandatory for high wages. Average commute times are 35-45 minutes for a 15-20 mile distance due to I-110 congestion.

• Unemployment Rate: 5.5% (vs US 4.0%). This is +37.5% higher than the national average, indicating a tighter, more competitive local labor market for those without specialized skills.

Quality of Life Audit

While the Health Score of 77.4/100 appears "Good," the underlying risk factors are alarming. The obesity rate of 33.7% and diabetes rate of 14.7% are statistically significant outliers compared to national averages. Air quality is a moderate concern with an AQI of 80, driven by PM2.5 levels of 10.5 µg/m³, exacerbated by heavy truck traffic from the nearby logistics corridors.

Table 3: Quality of Life Metrics

Safety & Environment:

• Violent Crime: 890 per 100k (US avg: 380). This is +134% higher than the national average.
• Property Crime: 3,456 per 100k (US avg: 2,000). This is +72.8% higher than the national average.
• Schools: The percentage of college-educated residents (8.6%) correlates with lower-performing public school metrics compared to surrounding affluent suburbs.
• Weather: Currently 48.0°F with a high of 70°F. The region enjoys a Mediterranean climate, a distinct lifestyle asset.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Access: Unrivaled access to the Los Angeles metro area for logistics and service workers.
• Weather: High livability in terms of climate (70°F highs).
• Necessity: Essential for those who need to be physically present in South LA but have a limited housing budget (though still high relative to the US).

Cons:

• Crime: Violent crime (890/100k) and property crime rates are statistically dangerous.
• Health Profile: High rates of obesity (33.7%) and diabetes (14.7%) suggest an environment that is challenging for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
• Economic Trap: Median income ($69,965) does not support the median home price ($685,000), creating a "rent trap."

Final Recommendation:
Relocation to Compton in 2026 is recommended only for essential commuters who work in the greater LA area and prioritize location over safety and long-term asset accumulation. It is not recommended for families seeking top-tier education or remote workers who can afford to live in safer, more health-conscious suburbs.

FAQs

1. What salary is needed to live comfortably in Compton?
To live comfortably (including savings and debt service), a single person needs a gross income of approximately $95,000 annually ($7,900/mo). A family of four needs roughly $140,000 ($11,600/mo) to avoid being house-poor.

2. How does the value proposition compare to nearby cities?
Compton is +45% more expensive for housing than the US average, yet offers lower-than-average income. Compared to Long Beach or Torrance, Compton offers lower rent but significantly higher crime and health risks.

3. Are the safety stats accurate?
Yes. The data indicates a Violent Crime rate of 890/100k and Property Crime of 3,456/100k. These are more than double the national averages and should be the primary deciding factor for potential residents.

4. Is the air quality really "Moderate"?
Yes, with an AQI of 80. While habitable, the PM2.5 level of 10.5 µg/m³ exceeds the WHO guideline of 5.0 µg/m³. Sensitive groups (asthma, elderly) may feel effects during high-traffic hours.