Commerce is a compact yet economically powerful city located in southeastern Los Angeles County, California. Known for its concentration of industrial, warehousing, and logistics operations, Commerce plays a critical role in regional manufacturing, distribution, and international trade within the greater Los Angeles metropolitan area.

Geographic Location and Setting

Commerce is situated approximately 6 miles southeast of Downtown Los Angeles. It is bordered by East Los Angeles and Los Angeles city neighborhoods to the north and west, Montebello to the east, and Vernon to the south. The city spans roughly 4.5 square miles and is predominantly flat, making it well-suited for industrial and commercial development.

Climate and Environment

Commerce experiences a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild winters. Its inland location results in warmer summer temperatures than coastal cities. The climate supports year-round industrial operations, logistics activity, and retail commerce.

Urban and Land-Use Character

Commerce is primarily industrial and commercial in nature, with limited residential areas. The city is characterized by large warehouses, manufacturing facilities, distribution centers, and business parks. Zoning policies strongly favor economic and employment-generating uses, distinguishing Commerce from more residential-focused neighboring cities.

Transportation and Accessibility

Commerce benefits from exceptional transportation access. Major freeways including I-5, I-710, SR-60, and I-10 run through or adjacent to the city, providing direct connections to Downtown Los Angeles, the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, the Inland Empire, and Orange County. Rail infrastructure and freight corridors further strengthen its role as a logistics hub.

Economic and Business Landscape

The city’s economy is driven by manufacturing, wholesale trade, warehousing, logistics, apparel, food processing, and distribution. Commerce has one of the strongest industrial tax bases in Los Angeles County, generating significant employment and municipal revenue. It is also home to Citadel Outlets, a major regional shopping destination that attracts visitors from across Southern California.

Employment and Workforce Profile

Commerce supports a large daily workforce that commutes from surrounding cities. Employment opportunities span industrial operations, logistics management, retail, hospitality, and professional services, making the city a key job center despite its relatively small residential population.

Community and Municipal Services

Although residential areas are limited, Commerce provides strong municipal services, infrastructure investment, and public safety support. The city emphasizes business-friendly policies, efficient permitting, and economic development initiatives to sustain long-term commercial growth.

Strategic Importance

Commerce’s strategic value lies in its proximity to Downtown Los Angeles, major ports, and freeway and rail networks. It functions as a backbone of goods movement and industrial activity for Southern California, supporting both domestic distribution and international trade.

Overall, Commerce, CA is a highly specialized and economically significant city defined by industrial strength, logistics infrastructure, and strategic regional connectivity within Los Angeles County.