Affordable Housing in South Gate, CA

I am a Los Angeles native and current MSW graduate student at USC who has lived in South Gate for the past four years. My husband and I bought our house in South Gate in 2021 after deciding to look in the area because of its relative affordability. Housing prices in South Gate have increased by upwards of 25% in the four short years since we bought our home. The realization that we would not be able to afford our house today has raised concerns about the availability of affordable housing in the city and what this means for the community.

In 2018, Los Angeles County identified housing affordability as a major concern for most county residents with housing being the single largest monthly expense for most households. As of the 2020 Census, South Gate’s population was 94.8% Hispanic or Latino, with 13.7% of its residents living below the poverty line. 43% of city residents are foreign born and 25% of residents come from households with limited English proficiency. These statistics mean that the increase in housing costs is affecting some of the city’s most vulnerable populations.

The 2022 Census also confirmed that more than half of South Gate’s residents rent their homes. According to Zillow, the current average rent in South Gate is $2,000, which is equal to the national average, though, as of 2022, the average household income in South Gate was 13.35% below the national average. Data USA notes that between 2021 and 2024, the average home price in South Gate jumped 26.5% for a current median value of $680,266. Some mortgage experts estimate that with current mortgage interest rates, a buyer would need an annual income of $160,00 to comfortably afford a home valued at $650,000. This estimated necessary income is unfortunately well above the 2022 average household income in South Gate of $67,188.

Owning a home is a goal for many people and trends indicate that South Gate is becoming increasingly unaffordable. South Gate’s elected officials seem to be aware of the affordable housing crisis and have implemented homeowner programs, “housing assistance”, and rent control, though with household incomes being below the national average in South Gate, I believe that the city should continue to assist its residents by investing in the construction of more affordable housing units.

According to Forbes, the entire community, not just individuals, benefit from the construction of affordable housing. Individuals who spend less money on housing have more income for healthier foods and other necessary expenses. Local construction jobs become available in the communities where the affordable housing units are being built and increased tax revenue flows into the city as a result. Affordable housing also cuts down on the homeless population and provides stable environments for families to raise healthy children. Arguments against affordable housing will state that it often results in a negative impact on property values and increased rates of crime, however, studies have yet to link affordable housing to either of these issues.

Bringing city attention to any single issue may seem like a huge task, but advocacy can start small. Advocating for more affordable housing in South Gate can be as simple as emailing, calling or sending a handwritten note to local elected officials. Even a conversation with friends and neighbors is enough to plant the seed of an idea and get the ball rolling. I believe that affordable housing can provide a more equitable, happier and healthier South Gate, and the conversation should start now.

Lauren Orozco