In the 1950s, Compton City was largely all-white, but became majority-black in the 1970s, thanks to a practice known as "blockbusting". The decline in Compton's white population was a result of the housing shortage and a high percentage of rent-paying residents. Although some areas of Compton remained predominantly white, this did not affect the majority-black population.
The city is home to one-third of the county's population and over half of its residents are under the age of 18. The race composition of Compton is 65% Hispanic or Latino, 33% Black or African American, 1.7% Asian, 0.7% Native American, and other races, and three percent white. The city is a cosmopolitan city with a vibrant history.
In the early 1960s, whites controlled Compton City's law enforcement and politics. Compton's growing black population was ignored by city officials. Only in 1969 was Douglas Dollarhide elected as the first black mayor. Compton's economy suffered during the 1980s, when the city was plagued with a ghetto-like reputation. Unemployment was nearly ten percent for black residents, almost twice the national rate.
Compton is home to a number of different industries. The most popular ones are manufacturing, health care, and transportation & warehousing. It has a low crime rate and is well-connected to major cities. Its residents are mostly employed in the health care and social assistance sector. There are many interesting places to visit and enjoy in Compton. Once you've discovered your new neighborhood, you'll wonder how you ever lived without it!