Bell
cityBell is a city in Los Angeles County, California, situated on the west bank of the Los Angeles River. It's a suburb of Los Angeles, offering a mix of residential and commercial environments. The city is relatively small, being among the smallest cities in the U.S. with a significant population. The population in 2020 was 33,559, and recent estimates suggest a fluctuating population. Bell's economy includes manufacturing, retail trade, and healthcare. The city aims to improve its economic well-being through sustainable growth and job creation. However, it has faced economic challenges, including a significant municipal corruption scandal in the early 2010s that led to financial difficulties and the need for governmental restructuring. Bell has a rich history, dating back to the Gabrieliño Indians and early Spanish settlers. It was named in honor of James George Bell, a pioneer founder. The city provides various recreational and social services, including parks and youth programs, enhancing the quality of life for its residents.
Bell, California
- Classification
- City
- FIPS Code
- 06-04870
- Country
- United States
- County
- Los Angeles County
- Region
- Los Angeles metropolitan area
- Elevation
- 141 ft
- Total Area
- 2.63 sq mi
- Land Area
- 2.51 sq mi
- Water Area
- 0.12 sq mi
- Latitude
- 33.983
- Longitude
- -118.183
- Climate
- Mild climate
- Notable Features
- Los Angeles River
- Neighboring Areas
- Maywood · Cudahy · South Gate · Huntington Park · Bell Gardens · Commerce · Walnut Park · Vernon · East Los Angeles · Florence-Graham · Downey · Los Angeles
- Population (2020)
- 33,559
- Est. Population (2024)
- 31,930
- Median Age
- 33.9
- Median Income
- $60,641
- Poverty Rate
- 22.8%
- Owner-Occupied
- 26.7%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- The racial makeup of Bell is diverse, with a significant Hispanic population. In 2023, the largest ethnic groups were Two Races Including Other (Hispanic), White (Hispanic), and Other (Hispanic).
- Government Type
- City Council-City Manager
- Governing Body
- City Council
- Body Size
- 5 members
- School District
- Los Angeles Unified School District
- Municipal Services
- Police · Fire (contracted with Los Angeles County) · Public Works · Community Services


















































- Unemployment Rate
- 5.2%
- Economic Profile
- Residential · Commercial
- Employment Sectors
- Manufacturing · Retail Trade · Health Care & Social Assistance
- Major Employers
- SolarCity · Avis Rent A Car · Bell Vinyl Products
- School Districts
- Los Angeles Unified School District
- Transportation
- Public transit · Highways
- Utilities
- Municipal services
- Major Facilities
- None specified
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Treder Park · Veterans' Memorial Park · Camp Little Bear Park · Ernest Debs Park
- Parks & Trails
- Parks · Recreation programs
- Founded
- 1875
- Incorporated
- 1927
- Named After
- James George Bell
- Historical Significance
- Named after pioneer founder James George Bell, the city has transformed from an agricultural community to a residential and commercial hub in Los Angeles County.
- Key Events
- Establishment as Rancho San Antonio · Name change from Obed to Bell in 1898 · Incorporation in 1927 · Municipal corruption scandal in 2010
