Gateway Cities Census Data

South Gate

Description: The City of South Gate had its modernday beginnings as part of the Lugo Spanish Land Grant of 1810. Later, the area at the south gate of the Lugo Ranch became the City of South Gate. Before the end of the 1870s, much of the original land grant had been replaced by 40-acre tracts. By 1880, cattle raising had been replaced by agriculture as the most important local industry.

During the years between 1910 and 1940, most of the agricultural land was replaced by homes and factories. The city was incorporated on January 20, 1923.Today, South Gate is the 16th largest city in Los Angeles County and encompasses 7.5 square miles, located just 12 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles. Once the home of General Motors and Firestone Tires, industry today includes trucking, a full-service dairy, plus office furniture and floor tiles manufacturers.

South Gate’s schools rank among the Los Angeles School District’s highest in attendance and lowest in drop-out rates. The city offers nine parks, representing more than 65 acres of recreational area. In South Gate, opportunity is not just a word — it represents a way of life. Back in the early 1920s the founders of the city chose “opportunity”to express what this new city would provide to those who came here. Today in the “Azalea City,”residents, businesses and city officials are committed to creating opportunities for all who live,work or play in the “All American City.”

(city description courtesy of Press Telegram 2006 Almanac)