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City Report · CA

Compton

Pop. 92,698·291st most expensive in California·Compton rents are up 5.3% over the past year
Median rent (all units)
$2,344/mo
Year-over-Year
+5.3%
Month-over-Month
-6.2%
vs US Median
+$382
Falling (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Compton · $2,344
More expensive than 74% of US cities · National median $1,962/mo
Affordability
36% of income
MODERATE
0%30% benchmark60%+

At $2,344/mo, rent takes about 36% of the local median household income, slightly above the 30% benchmark.

Income to afford
$94,000/yr
Local median income
$78,465/yr
Based on the 30%-of-income rule using Compton's median rent and household income. See the full affordability breakdown →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,600
1 BR
$1,810
2 BR
$2,290
3 BR
$2,940
4 BR+
$3,240
Fair Market Rent (HUD)
$2,290/mo

These are HUD Fair Market Rents, the payment standard for a Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8). They often differ from the $2,344 market median above, and that is expected: FMR is the 40th percentile of standard-quality units and counts gross rent, so it includes essential utilities such as electricity, water, gas, sewer, and trash. The market median is asking rent, which usually excludes utilities. HUD sets FMR once a year; market rent here updates monthly.

Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents. Read the methodology →

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: August 17, 2026

Annual cost
$28,128/yr
At $2,344/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Renter's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are down 5.3% year-over-year. Push hard on price, concessions, and lease terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+5.3% YoY, -6.2% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Compton, CA is majority owner-occupied, has a large share of families with children, 10.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
92,698
Median income
$78,465
Median age
33.3
Renters
43.6%
Age distribution
27.3%
24.9%
25.6%
Under 1827.3%
18–3424.9%
35–5425.6%
55–6411.4%
65+10.7%
Gender
48.8%
51.2%
Male48.8%
Female51.2%
Race & ethnicity
24.1%
72.9%
White7.5%
Black24.1%
Hispanic72.9%
Asian1.3%
Education (25+)
34.8%
29%
25.6%
No HS diploma34.8%
HS diploma29%
Some college25.6%
Bachelor's+10.6%
Housing tenure
56.4%
43.6%
Owner56.4%
Renter43.6%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2021 vs 2026

How Compton, CA has changed in 5 years

Income
$62,297 → $78,465
up 26.0%
Population
96,083 → 92,698
down 3.5%
Renter share
42.9% → 43.6%
+0.7 pts
Bachelor's+
9.5% → 10.6%
+1.1 pts

Household income in the area moved from $62,297 to $78,465 across the same window, up 26.0% versus 2021. Census counts show Compton, CA losing about 3,385 residents over the five-year window, down 3.5% on net.

Community

Discussions about Compton

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View Compton rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Compton on your salary?

At $2,344/mo, how Compton rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Compton rent by bedroom count

Median rent for each apartment size in Compton. Click any size for full breakdown.

Local insights

Tips for renters in Compton

About renting in Compton, CA

Last updated: August 17, 2026

The median rent in Compton is $2,344/mo as of August 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,600/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $2,290/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,810/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $2,940/mo.

At 36% of local median household income ($78,465/yr), Compton ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 5.3% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Compton an affordable city for renters?

Compton is considered moderate for renters. At $2,344/mo, rent takes approximately 36% of the local median household income ($78,465/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Compton slightly exceeds that threshold, so budgeting carefully matters here.

How much income do you need to rent in Compton?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $94,000/year (~$45/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $2,344/mo in Compton. The local median household income is $78,465/yr, meaning the typical Compton household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Compton?

Rent in Compton has increased 5.3% over the past year as of August 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

How does Compton rent compare to other cities in California?

Compton is one of the more affordable cities in California for rent, ranking #291 out of 381 tracked cities at $2,344/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Compton?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than Compton ($2,344/mo): South Gate ($2,020/mo), Lynwood ($2,130/mo), Cudahy ($2,300/mo).

What percentage of Compton residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 43.6% of Compton households are renters, while 56.4% are owner-occupied. Compton leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Compton rent compare to the national average?

Compton's median rent of $2,344/mo is $382 (19%) above the US national median of $1,962/mo. Within California, it ranks #291 out of 381 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
36%
MODERATE

At $2,344/mo, rent takes ~36% of Compton's median household income ($78,465/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Compton 36%Benchmark 30%
State income tax1–13.3%
Run the Compton affordability calculator →
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Compton, CA

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