Bell Gardens, California Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Bell Gardens, California is 38,661 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 221st-largest city in California. The median household income is $55,372, the median home value is $527,900, and the median age is 32.0.
The population has declined 10.7% since 2010 (42,056 → 37,565).
38,661
Population
15722
People / sq mi
$55,372
Median Income
$527,900
Median Home Value
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Bell Gardens covers 2.5 sq mi of land at 15722 people per square mile.
About Bell Gardens, CA
Bell Gardens is distinguished by its share of foreign-born residents, 1.4% of the population. With 38,661 residents, Bell Gardens is a city in California.
Earnings trail the nation, with the median household making $55,372, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty is among the highest of comparable US cities: 19.0%, above the national 12.4%. Home values run above average at $527,900, with typical rent around $1,658.
Bell Gardens is among the least college-educated US cities, at 6.9% — below the national 35.0%. Just 6.2% of workers are home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 28 minutes each way.
Bell Gardens city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Bell Gardens city had a population of 42,056 in 2010 and 37,565 in 2024, a -10.7% growth over 14 years. The peak was 42,743 in 2015. Average annual growth rate: -0.79%.
37,565
Population (2024)
42,056
Population (2010)
42,743
Peak (2015)
-0.79%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 42,056 |
| 2011 | 42,211 |
| 2012 | 42,628 |
| 2013 | 42,706 |
| 2014 | 42,714 |
| 2015 | 42,743 |
| 2016 | 42,675 |
| 2017 | 42,489 |
| 2018 | 42,192 |
| 2019 | 42,012 |
| 2020 | 39,383 |
| 2021 | 38,550 |
| 2022 | 38,008 |
| 2023 | 37,688 |
| 2024 | 37,565 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 27.4% |
| Black or African American | 1.4% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 3.5% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$55,372
Median Household Income
$18,596
Per Capita Income
19.0%
Poverty Rate
3.6%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$527,900
Median Home Value
$1,658
Median Rent
21.2%
Owner-Occupied
Education
52.9%
High School+
6.9%
Bachelor's+
Commute
3.1%
Drive Alone
73.6%
Public Transit
6.2%
Work From Home
28.4 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
1.4%
Foreign Born
10.3%
Non-English at Home
0.8%
Veterans
8.5%
With Disability
82.6%
Health Insurance
96.0%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Manufacturing | 16.6% |
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 16.0% |
| Retail Trade | 11.2% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 10.5% |
| Construction | 8.8% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 8.1% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 7.3% |
| Information | 2.9% |
| Public Administration | 1.9% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 1.1% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 0.4% |
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City rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Bell Gardens, California has a population of 38,661 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 221st-largest city in California.
The median household income in Bell Gardens, California is $55,372, with 19.0% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Bell Gardens, California is $527,900, with median monthly rent at $1,658 and a homeownership rate of 21.2%.
The median age in Bell Gardens, California is 32.0 years. The population is 50.3% male and 49.7% female.
The population has declined 10.7% since 2010 (42,056 → 37,565).
Bell Gardens city, CA Climate
Bell Gardens city, CA has an average annual temperature of 18.8°C (66°F) and receives about 375 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is August and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
18.8°C
Avg Temp
375
Precip (mm/yr)
Aug
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 14° / 57° | 81 mm |
| February | 15° / 59° | 85 mm |
| March | 16° / 60° | 72 mm |
| April | 18° / 64° | 22 mm |
| May | 19° / 66° | 6 mm |
| June | 21° / 71° | 2 mm |
| July | 24° / 74° | 1 mm |
| August | 24° / 76° | 3 mm |
| September | 23° / 74° | 7 mm |
| October | 21° / 69° | 11 mm |
| November | 17° / 62° | 36 mm |
| December | 14° / 57° | 49 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Bell Gardens city, CA
The most comfortable months to visit Bell Gardens city, CA are typically June, October and May, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is August (around 31°C high). The coldest is January (near 8°C low). February is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Bell Gardens
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.