Road Topic Tourism & Travel
Situated in southwestern Los Angeles, the community of Inglewood is often referred to as “the hood.” Is this designation accurate? The answer depends on who you ask.
Inglewood began as a small ranch town in the late 19th century and rapidly grew into a city after World War II. Since the 1950s, Inglewood has been home to numerous African-American residents, with an estimated population of nearly 110,000 in 2025. The city also boasts a vibrant music and entertainment scene, with legendary venues like the Forum hosting iconic concerts.
Despite the area’s cultural vibrancy, Inglewood also has a reputation for poverty, crime, and gang activity. In 2019, the city’s crime rate was 11% higher than the national average, and the violent crime rate was 41% higher than the national average.
To many people, the term “the hood” is a pejorative term used to describe areas with high crime rates and low socioeconomic status. Given these definitions, it’s understandable why some people might consider Inglewood to be “the hood.”
Others, however, dispute this designation. They point out that Inglewood is home to many vibrant businesses, cultural attractions, and middle-class neighborhoods. There are also numerous city initiatives and programs dedicated to improving the local quality of life and providing economic opportunities for residents.
Ultimately, whether or not Inglewood is “the hood” is subjective. To some, the term is an offensive stereotype. To others, it’s simply an accurate description of the area’s crime rate and socioeconomic status.
Exploring the Stereotypes of Inglewood, California
If you’ve ever been to Inglewood, California, you know that it has a reputation for being a rural, run-down area with a high crime rate. But what is the truth? Is Inglewood considered the hood?
Inglewood, California is a city located in Los Angeles County, approximately southwest of downtown Los Angeles. It is an ethnically diverse city with a population of over 110,000 people. The city is well known for its commercial, residential and entertainment offerings. It is home to the Hollywood Park racetrack, the Great Western Forum arena, the Hollywood Park Casino and the Los Angeles Rams NFL stadium.
Despite its positive attributes, Inglewood has a reputation for being a dangerous area due to its high crime rate and poverty. While the crime rate in Inglewood is higher than the national average, it is still lower than many other cities in Los Angeles County. In addition, the poverty rate in Inglewood has decreased significantly in recent years, and many of the city’s residents are now middle class.
Despite its reputation of being a dangerous area, Inglewood is an interesting and vibrant city that offers a variety of attractions for visitors. The city is home to a number of arts and cultural centers, including the Forum Theatre, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and the Inglewood Performing Arts Center. There are also a number of parks, museums and galleries in the city, as well as many restaurants and shopping centers. In addition, Inglewood is home to five universities and colleges.
When it comes to stereotypes about Inglewood, it is important to remember that all cities have good and bad areas. While it is true that Inglewood has higher crime rates than other cities, it is also home to many thriving businesses and cultural attractions, making it an ideal destination for travelers and residents alike.
What Does It Mean to Call Inglewood The Hood?
Inglewood is a city located in the Los Angeles County of California. It is a popular city for visitors to explore due to its eclectic mix of urban and suburban environments. Although it’s been known for its cultural diversity, many people have come to refer to it as “the hood”.
So what does it mean to call Inglewood the hood? To many, the term “the hood” carries a negative connotation, implying that the area is dangerous and ridden with crime. This is not necessarily the case with Inglewood, however. Despite its reputation, Inglewood is actually a safe and vibrant community. It is home to many businesses, schools, and parks, as well as a variety of cultural attractions.
Inglewood’s nickname also comes from its history as an area that was once largely populated by African Americans. As the city’s population has grown and diversified over time, many of the stereotypes associated with the area have changed. Inglewood is now home to people from a variety of ethnic backgrounds, and it’s a thriving, vibrant community.
In terms of safety, the crime rate in Inglewood is lower than the national average. While it’s true that there are higher instances of crime in certain areas of the city, Inglewood’s overall crime rate is lower than the U.S. average. Additionally, the city has numerous public safety initiatives in place, such as community policing programs and youth-focused initiatives.
Although it is still known as “the hood” to many, Inglewood is far from being a dangerous area. It is a vibrant and welcoming community that is home to people from all walks of life. Despite the nickname, Inglewood is a safe and prosperous city.
