Inglewood, CA: A 2026 Relocation Deep Dive

Inglewood: The Data Profile (2026)

Inglewood presents a complex economic picture for the 2026 relocation market. With a population of 102,857, it functions as a dense urban hub within the Los Angeles metro area. The primary friction point for potential residents is the divergence between local income and the cost of living. The median household income sits at $72,900, which is 2.3% lower than the national median of $74,580. This income stagnation is compounded by an educational attainment gap; only 25.2% of the population holds a bachelor's degree or higher, significantly below the US average of 33.1%.

The statistical target demographic for Inglewood in the post-remote work era is the "hybrid commuter." This profile includes service-sector professionals, logistics workers, and mid-level administrative staff who require access to the broader Los Angeles job market but are priced out of coastal or central LA neighborhoods. They prioritize transit access (proximity to the Metro K Line) and SoFi Stadium-area amenities over square footage or high appreciation potential.

Cost of Living Analysis

The cost of living index for Inglewood is heavily skewed by housing, sitting at 156.3, meaning it is 56.3% more expensive than the national average. However, the "post-remote" economy has shifted spending; while utilities remain a massive outlier at 31.97 cents/kWh (double the US average of 16.0 cents), transportation costs have stabilized for those utilizing public transit.

Table 1: Cost of Living Breakdown (Monthly Budgets)

Disposable Income Analysis:
A single earner making the median income of $72,900 takes home approximately $4,400/month after taxes. The required budget of $3,570 leaves a disposable income of only $830/month. This margin is dangerously thin for a city with a 5.5% unemployment rate, suggesting that median earners have virtually no savings buffer.

Housing Market Deep Dive

The housing market is defined by extreme pressure on renters. Buying is statistically out of reach for the median earner. The median home price of $710,000 requires an income exceeding $175,000 assuming a standard 6.5% mortgage rate and 10% down payment. Consequently, the market is dominated by the rental sector, where Inglewood is 38% more expensive than the national average for a 1-bedroom unit.

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

Buying vs. Renting Recommendation:
Renting is the only viable option for 85% of the local population. The price-to-rent ratio in Inglewood is approximately 26:1, which heavily favors renting. Unless you have significant capital for a down payment (over $140,000) and a household income above $175k, buying is a financial liability rather than an asset builder in this market.

Economic & Job Market Outlook

The "Return to Office" (RTO) mandates of 2025 and 2026 have solidified Inglewood's role as a commuter city. While local unemployment is high at 5.5% (vs. 4.0% nationally), this is largely due to a mismatch between local skills and the high-tech/service jobs available in the region.

Commute Dynamics:
For the 74.8% of the workforce without a college degree, jobs are often in retail, hospitality, or logistics. The average commute time has increased to 32 minutes one-way. However, proximity to the Metro K Line and the I-405 corridor allows for a "hybrid" lifestyle. Residents working in the Los Angeles CBD or West LA can access jobs within 45-60 minutes, a trade-off for the lower housing stock quality.

Quality of Life Audit

Inglewood offers a "Good" aggregate Health Score of 79.2/100, but this masks significant underlying risk factors. The population suffers from disproportionately high rates of chronic disease, with a diabetes rate of 14.5% (vs. 10.9% US average) and an obesity rate of 32.6%. Air quality is a moderate concern, with an AQI average of 80, driven by traffic congestion and industrial activity in the South Bay region.

Table 3: Quality of Life Metrics

Safety & Environment:
Safety remains the primary detractor. Violent crime stands at 678 incidents per 100k residents, which is 78% higher than the national average. Property crime is also elevated at 2,890 per 100k.

Schools & Weather:
The local school district performance is variable, with graduation rates hovering around 82%, below the state average. Weather is a major draw: today's conditions are clear with a high of 68°F and a low of 45°F. The climate allows for year-round outdoor activity, which is a key factor in maintaining the area's "Good" mental health index.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Access: Unrivaled access to the Los Angeles metro area via the I-405 and Metro K Line.
• Weather: Consistently mild climate (68°F high today) supports active lifestyles.
• Health Score: Despite risk factors, the aggregate health score of 79.2 is above average.

Cons:

• Income vs. Cost: Median income of $72,900 is insufficient for the cost of living; you need $100k+ to live comfortably.
• Safety: Violent crime (678/100k) and property crime (2,890/100k) are significantly elevated.
• Utilities: Electricity costs at 31.97 cents/kWh are a massive financial burden.

Final Recommendation:
Inglewood is a conditional recommendation. It is viable only for households earning $95,000+ who are willing to rent and accept a 30-45 minute commute to higher-paying jobs. It is not recommended for families seeking to buy a home on a single median income, or for those prioritizing low crime statistics.

FAQs

1. What salary is needed to live comfortably in Inglewood in 2026?
To cover the $3,570 monthly budget for a single adult and maintain a healthy savings rate, a gross salary of at least $85,000 is required. For a family of four, the household income should exceed $120,000.

2. How does Inglewood's value compare to other LA suburbs?
Inglewood is 56.3% more expensive than the US average, but roughly 15-20% cheaper than neighboring cities like Culver City or Santa Monica. You are paying a "location premium" for transit access, not luxury amenities.

3. Is the high crime rate a dealbreaker?
With violent crime at 678/100k, it is a significant factor. However, crime is hyper-localized. Prospective residents should analyze specific neighborhoods and block-by-block data rather than dismissing the city entirely.

4. When is the best time to relocate to Inglewood?
The rental market softens slightly in Q4 (October–December). Aim for a move-in date in November to potentially negotiate 5-10% off the asking rent, as the holiday season reduces demand.