Gateway Cities Census Data
Bell Gardens
Description: In the 18th century a Spanish land grant of 29,500 acres was awarded to Don Antonio Maria Lugo, a Spanish soldier, who began his ranch base in the Rio Hondo area. The area that is now Bell Gardens thrived as a farming area through the 1930s, when O.C. Beck, a developer, offered families a novel proposition — they could have a family farm for $20 down and $10 a month. Settlers began building homes.The city was incorporated in 1961.
Today, its major thoroughfares are wide,well lit and attractive with landscaped islands and large shade trees. Manufacturing, retail specialty shops, hotels, excellent restaurants and world class gaming and entertainment comprise the businesses of Bell Gardens. The city has beautiful parks, emerald green soccer fields, childcare centers, a sparkling lake stocked with fish and water fowl, and a community golf course.
While most of the city is built to capacity with less than one percent of the land vacant, city officials today are focusing on preserving and improving existing housing rather than building new housing.
(city description courtesy of Press Telegram 2006 Almanac)
| 1990 | 2000 | 2010 | |
| Population | 42,355 | 44,054 | 42,072 |
| Percent of Los Angeles County Population | 0.48% | 0.46% | 0.43% |
| Median Age | 23.8 | 27.3 | |
| Number of Households | 9,244 | 9,466 | 9,655 |
| Unemployment Rate | 13.38% | 12.62% | 19.80% |
|
1989
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1999
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2009
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| Average Household Income (in 2010 dollars) | $50,985 | $47,429 | |
| Median Household Income (in 2010 dollars) | $41,886 | $40,047 | $39,167 |
