Incentives for New Businesses

Centrally located, South Gate is an ideal location for commerce with downtown Los Angeles, Los Angeles International Airport, and the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach all within a 20-mile radius. The city is linked to these sites by several major transportation thoroughfares, including the Long Beach and Century freeways, Firestone and Alameda Boulevards, and an extensive rail system with services provided by Union Pacific and Southern Pacific Railroads.

With a diverse mix of residential, commercial and industrial areas, the city has promoted itself as an area rich in economic opportunities. South Gate offers:

  • High density - nearly 1 million people live within a 5 mile radius
  • High visibility - 212,000 cars traveling daily on 710 Freeway at Firestone Boulevard
  • Large commercial and industrial space available
  • Low property taxes
  • No UUT tax

Top 10 Employers in the City

  1. Koos Manufacturing Inc.
  2. JB Hunt Transportation Inc.
  3. Wal-Mart
  4. Shultz Steel Company
  5. Saputo Cheese USA Inc.
  6. Sam’s Club
  7. AG Adriano Goldschmied Inc.
  8. Curacao
  9. Marshalls
  10. Buddy Bar Casting Corporation

Source: City of South Gate Business License Division (September 2014)

As evidenced through the city’s work in attracting new businesses, our partnerships with the Long Beach Small Business Development Center and Hub Cities Consortium, and dedication to improving employment opportunities for the city and surrounding community, the City of South Gate makes business and workforce development a top priority.

Economic Forecast

In the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation’s (LAEDC) 2015 Economic Forecast and Industry Outlook Report (PDF), the Gateway Cities’ Region is expected to significantly benefit from the 4.6% increase in containers processed in 2014 at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.

“More containers moving through the ports are a boon to the many wholesale, warehousing, and logistics firms located in the Gateway Region.” - LAEDC

Population Forecast

Population growth in the city is expected to increase substantially over the next 5 years. Located in a high density region, South Gate businesses have a vast customer base to target.

Demographics of the City of South Gate & Surrounding Area

Population Statistics 1 Mile Radius 3 Mile Radius 5 Mile Radius
2020 Projection 42,370 399,847 908,008
2015 Estimate 41,000 396,594 900,615
2010 Census 39,147 395,140 898,612
Growth 2015 - 2020 3.2% 0.8% 0.8%
Growth 2010 - 2020 7.6% 1.2% 1.0%
Percent Hispanic or Latino 93.4% 89.0% 81.0%

Demographics of the City of South Gate & Surrounding Area: Households 

Households 1 Mile Radius 3 Mile Radius 5 Mile Radius
Number of Households 9,227 90,514 211,783
Households With Children 61.7% 59.2% 56.9%
Average Household Size 4.3 4.3 4.1

Demographics of the City of South Gate & Surrounding Area: Income

Income & Expenditures 1 Mile Radius 3 Mile Radius 5 Mile Radius
Average Household Income $59,553 $61,460 $62,646
Median Disposable Income $34,658 $36,639 $39,267
Percent of Households With Income Greater than $50,000 52.7% 56.6% 56.4%
Total Annual Household Retail Expenditures $174 Million $1.82 Billion $4.30 Billion