Compton is a city located in Los Angeles County, California. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 93,493. The city has at times been notorious for gang violence, a reputation perhaps exaggerated by the rise to prominence of local Gangsta rap group NWA during the 1980s.

Geography

Compton is located at 33°53'48" North, 118°13'30" West (33.896715, -118.225078)1.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 26.4 km² (10.2 mi²). 26.2 km² (10.1 mi²) of it is land and 0.2 km² (0.1 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 0.69% water.

Demographics

As of the census of 2000, there are 93,493 people, 22,327 households, and 18,620 families residing in the city. The population density is 3,563.5/km² (9,225.6/mi²). There are 23,795 housing units at an average density of 906.9/km² (2,348.0/mi²). The racial makeup of the city is 16.71% White, 40.31% African American, 0.70% Native American, 0.25% Asian, 1.05% Pacific Islander, 37.34% from other races, and 3.62% from two or more races. 56.84% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 22,327 households out of which 50.7% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.3% are married couples living together, 27.7% have a female householder with no husband present, and 16.6% are non-families. 13.2% of all households are made up of individuals and 5.5% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 4.16 and the average family size is 4.45.

In the city the population is spread out with 38.5% under the age of 18, 11.5% from 18 to 24, 28.7% from 25 to 44, 14.4% from 45 to 64, and 6.9% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 25 years. For every 100 females there are 96.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 91.2 males.

The median income for a household in the city is $31,819, and the median income for a family is $33,021. Males have a median income of $22,698 versus $24,692 for females. The per capita income for the city is $10,389. 28.0% of the population and 25.5% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 35.6% are under the age of 18 and 14.7% are 65 or older.