Compton is a city located in southern Los Angeles County, California. With a population of 97,556 as of the 2010 census, it is one of the oldest cities in the county and has a long and storied history.
Demographics and Population
Compton experienced its largest population growth in the 1950s and 60s, when the city had over 90,000 residents. However, in the 1970s and 80s, middle class African-Americans began moving out of Compton, resulting in a population decline. By 1990, the population had dropped to 90,454. Over the last two decades, Compton has become majority Latino. As of the 2010 census, Compton was 65.1% Hispanic or Latino, 31.7% Black or African American, 1.2% White, 0.8% Asian, and 0.4% from other races.
Compton has a relatively young population, with a median age of 28, compared to the US median age of 37. Over 35% of the population is under the age of 21. There are slightly more women than men – 51.3% vs. 48.7%. The city also has many more households with children under 18 (46%) compared to the national average (33%).
Economy and Major Employers
In the past, Compton was home to a bustling industrial sector with a large rail yard. However, since the 1970s, nearly all industrial jobs have left the city. Today, most residents commute to workplaces in Los Angeles and the broader metropolitan area. The largest employment sectors are health care, social assistance, retail, and manufacturing.
Some of the major employers located in Compton include Compton Community College, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Hospital, Walmart, Home Depot, Ralphs, Food 4 Less, Del Amo Fashion Center, and Superior Grocers. Healthcare, education, retail, and grocery stores provide the majority of jobs within the city limits.
Landmarks
Some of the most famous landmarks in Compton include:
- The Compton City Hall and Civic Center, built in 1933 in the Art Deco style. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
- Compton Creek, which runs throughout the city and connects to the Los Angeles River.
- The Gateway City Monument, a large gateway structure built in 1995 to commemorate Compton’s heritage.
- Martin Luther King Jr. Monument, located at the Compton City Hall.
- The Compton/Woodley Airport, Los Angeles County’s oldest airport still in operation.
Sports Teams
While Compton does not have any major professional sports teams, local youth and high school teams are a source of pride for residents. Some of the popular teams include:
- The Compton Cowboys, an urban horseback riding club focused on youth development.
- The Compton High School Tarbabes football team.
- The Dominguez High School Dons basketball team.
Residents also avidly follow popular Los Angeles teams including the Lakers, Dodgers, Rams, and Galaxy.
Local Government
Compton is governed by a mayor and city council. The city government website can be found here. Residents can find information on local government departments and services, council meetings, permits, job opportunities, and more.
Tourism
Though Compton is primarily a residential suburb, some tourists are drawn by its musical history and evolving art scene. Popular attractions include:
- The Historic Fountain in neighboring East Rancho Dominguez.
- Historical Route 66 sites.
- The Compton Sound Murals celebrating the city’s influence on hip hop, funk, R&B, and jazz.
- The Proud Bird Restaurant, an aviation-themed eatery on the Compton Airport grounds.
Overall, while Compton faces some socioeconomic challenges, it remains a vibrant community with a strong identity and culture unique to Los Angeles County.