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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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).
Where to stay in Bell Gardens
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.