Los Angeles neighborhood guide
Wilmington
How Wilmington scores for you
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How it scores overall
Scored for a typical renter — better than 83% of LA neighborhoods overall. Take the quiz to see how it scores for you.
Wilmington is a working-class neighborhood in LA's harbor area, shaped by its proximity to the port and industrial zones. The area is relatively affordable, ranking 18th of 114 neighborhoods in rent, with medians around $1,434 versus the LA average of about $2,016. It's not a destination neighborhood, but a practical place to live if you work nearby or want lower housing costs.
The neighborhood sits in a mixed industrial and residential zone. You'll find straightforward dining options like Wingstop, Maya Mexican Restaurant, and the Chowder Barge within a short walk, plus a couple of grocery stores including Food 4 Less and Northgate Gonzalez Market. Parks like Wilmington Town Square Park, Drum Barracks, and the Wilmington Waterfront Promenade offer outdoor space, though tree cover is minimal at 2 percent compared to the LA average of 6 percent.
Living here
Day-to-day life in Wilmington means dealing with real tradeoffs. Traffic ranks 19th of 114 neighborhoods, so commutes are faster than most of LA, but air quality is a genuine concern. The area ranks 91st of 114 for air quality, with exposure to diesel particulates from port and industrial activity in the top quartile of California. If you have asthma or respiratory sensitivity, this is worth serious consideration.
The neighborhood is somewhat walkable for errands (ranking 71st of 114), and you can handle some trips on foot, but a car is useful for most weekly activities. Transit is minimal (ranking 64th of 114), so public transportation is not a reliable primary option. The feel is utilitarian and unpretentious, without many of the amenities or green space you'd find in more developed neighborhoods.
Who it's for
Wilmington works for renters who prioritize affordability over amenities, and who either work in the harbor area, the ports, or nearby industrial zones. It's a practical choice if you want to keep rent low and don't require walkable restaurants, cafes, or parks. It's less suitable if you have respiratory sensitivities, need strong transit access, or want neighborhood vibrancy and tree-lined streets.
Environment & livability
Air quality: high diesel PM exposure, top quartile in California.
Linked to elevated respiratory and cardiovascular risk in long-term residents. See the air quality flag for more detail.
Traffic exposure: above-average traffic corridor exposure.
Higher traffic proximity correlates with elevated noise, diesel emissions, and reduced pedestrian comfort on nearby streets.
Tree cover: very limited tree cover, predominantly concrete.
Low canopy areas tend to run hotter and feel more exposed. Research links tree cover to lower ambient temperatures and improved pedestrian comfort.
Walkability: walkable for some errands, car useful for others.
A mixed walkability area. Good for quick trips on foot, but some destinations will require driving or transit.
Transit: minimal transit access, car strongly recommended.
Very infrequent or no meaningful transit nearby. Car dependency is high in this area.
Environmental data from CalEnviroScreen 4.0 and the EPA Smart Location Database. Informational only, not professional advice for a housing decision.
Around Wilmington
Food 4 Less · Northgate Gonzalez Market · Numero Uno 113
Wingstop · Maya Mexican Restaurant · Jack in the Box · Chowder Barge
Wilmington Town Square Park · Drum Barracks · John Mendez Baseball Park · Wilmington Waterfront Promenade
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Similar neighborhoods
Frequently asked questions
How bad is the air quality in Wilmington?+
Air quality is a significant drawback. Wilmington ranks 91st of 114 LA neighborhoods for air quality and falls in the top quartile for diesel particulate exposure in California due to port and industrial activity. If you or your household members have asthma or respiratory conditions, this is important to weigh.
Do I need a car in Wilmington?+
Yes. Transit is minimal (ranking 64th of 114), and the neighborhood is somewhat walkable but not very. A car is strongly recommended for regular errands and commutes, though traffic here is better than the LA average.
How affordable is Wilmington compared to other LA neighborhoods?+
Median rent is about $1,434, ranking 18th of 114 neighborhoods. It's significantly cheaper than the LA average of about $2,016, making it one of the more affordable options in the city.
What parks and green space are in the area?+
Wilmington Town Square Park, Drum Barracks, John Mendez Baseball Park, and the Wilmington Waterfront Promenade are within a short walk. However, tree canopy is only 2 percent, so the neighborhood is predominantly concrete and shade is limited.
Is Wilmington walkable?+
Wilmington ranks #71 of 114 LA neighborhoods for walkability. In practice, walkable for some errands, car useful for others.
What is the average rent in Wilmington?+
Typical rent in Wilmington is around $1,434 per month based on Census (ACS) data.
How is the air quality in Wilmington?+
Wilmington has high diesel PM exposure, top quartile in California, based on CalEnviroScreen 4.0 diesel particulate data (percentile 77 of 100, lower is cleaner).
Which LA neighborhoods are similar to Wilmington?+
Based on walkability, rent levels, amenities, and environment, the most similar neighborhoods to Wilmington are Boyle Heights, Vermont Vista, Broadway-Manchester and Harbor City.