Gateway Cities Census Data
Compton
Description: The City of Compton, one of the oldest cities in Los Angeles County,was named after Griffith D. Compton who, with William Pedro, traveled from Northern California in search of milder temperatures and to establish a Methodist church colony prohibiting the use of alcohol.The area was incorporated in 1888, making it only the seventh city in Los Angeles County. Today, approximately 2,281 licensed businesses operate in Compton. Leading industrial sectors include non-durable goods manufacturing and warehousing/distribution.
Compton also has a notable presence in food processing, products manufacturing, cosmetics manufacturing, plastics manufacturing, electronic assembly, and heavy equipment distribution. Each year residents and businesses purchase more than $354 million of taxable goods and services. The City believes that its continued economic development and redevelopment activities will serve to promote growth in purchases, buying income and general economic activity well into the future.
Compton has received an extra 15 minutes of fame as the home of tennis superstars sisters Venus and Serena Williams. In addition, the city has become a “City of Champions” that is home to the 2004 California Interscholastic Federation Division II (Dominguez High School) and Division III (Centennial High School) Boy’s State Champions and the 2004 California Community College Men’s Basketball Champions (Compton College).
(city description courtesy of Press Telegram 2006 Almanac)
| 1990 | 2000 | 2010 | |
| Population | 90,454 | 93,493 | 96,455 |
| Percent of Los Angeles County Population | 1.02% | 0.98% | 0.98% |
| Median Age | 25 | 28 | |
| Number of Households | 22,323 | 22,327 | 23,062 |
| Unemployment Rate | 14.33% | 13.69% | 21.20% |
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1989
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1999
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2009
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| Average Household Income (in 2010 dollars) | $55,721 | $51,606 | |
| Median Household Income (in 2010 dollars) | $43,912 | $41,647 | $43,201 |
