About Lawndale

On December 28, 1959 the residents of Lawndale voted to incorporate as a City within the county of Los Angeles. The main reason Lawndale incorporated was to forestall being gobbled up by surrounding communities through annexation.  Desired conditions for this community included “that there should be a retention of a low tax level through use of existing county services.” Lawndale was one of the last cities to incorporate within the South Bay section of Los Angeles County. However, it’s pre-history dates back to a time when the surrounding area was inhabited by Indians known today as the Gabrielino/Tongva.

Following the real estate boom in the Inglewood area, similar development began in the southern portion of the old Rancho, where the present City of Lawndale is located. This activity was the direct result of the opening of a seaport at Redondo in 1890, and the railroad service developing between Port Redondo and Los Angeles. Steam trains were soon replaced by electric trolley cars.

The Commuter Farmers
Agriculture continued to predominate in Lawndale, with crops, sheep, and poultry being raised. The farms were small, and their products composed a secondary income for their owners. Lawndale’s first school opened in 1906 in the Lawndale Congregational Church with 19 pupils. The Church unfortunately no longer exists.

The Lawndale community fair originated in 1918, and continued for the next five years. As an unincorporated area, Lawndale still possessed community identification and a cohesiveness that foretold the future establishments for the City of Lawndale.

Oil Boom – Bust and Depression
Oil discoveries in the 1920’s created major commercial activity and temporarily changed the face of the community. The boom reached its peak between 1927 and 1929, and the influx of the oil workers and typical boom real estate speculation rapidly declined as the drilling subsided. During the oil period, Lawndale was easily recognizable by the landscape of oil derrick construction. Lawndale settled into the 1930’s with three schools in the community, and weathered, as did all America, the Great Depression.

Lawndale COST OF LIVING

Compared to the rest of the country, Lawndale’s cost of living is 54.8% higher than the U.S. average. More Cost of Living or Compare Lawndale’s Cost of Living

Lawndale POPULATION

Lawndale’s population is 31,935 people. Since 2020, it has had a population growth of 2.0%

Review of Lawndale by residents

Pros- amazing weather and wonderful location. Close to shopping, 10 minutes from the beach, diversity, 5 minutes away from lax, close to freeway
Cons- crazy expensive for ugly tiny houses, dirty streets, homelessness is a huge issue, ghetto streets and neighbors, school scores 4/10, 405 traffic off the chain.
I rented for 10 years and longed to buy a home but wasn’t willing to work to the bone for a tiny spit of land so we had to move to provide a safer environment for my children though must say i truly miss the weather and its central location.

I have lived in Lawndale for 4+ years. There are towns much scarier and much worse heading east. I prefer west lawndale overall, going toward prairie ave tends to get a little borderline iffy. I’m very particular about keeping my children safe, away from bad influence, and living to a certain standard. But since I want to save money.. Lawndale has been a great choice.. affordable and family oriented. I’ve never been robbed, stolen from, shot at, and neither have my children. This city I would say is mostly composed of families. The schools tend to be mostly latin american. My son hasn’t had any problems in school. My neighbors are great. I’m really happy with this city considering how affordable it is. I feel safe overall. Unless you’re in gangs, hitting trashy bars, or putting yourself in danger, I don’t see a great crime risk.