Whittier Demographics

Demographics Overview
Economic Condition
Housing Characteristics
Educational Opportunities
Community Demographics

Market Profile Report
Population & Households
Household by Income
Population by Race
Population by Age
Aggregate Income

For further demographic info, please
contact the Whittier Public Library at (562) 464-3450

As part of the City of Whittier’s Economic Development program the City contracted The Buxton Company, a leader in retail development strategies and analysis of customer data and demographics, to look at the trade (market) area for the City of Whittier and local businesses. The information gathered assists the City in attracting the right businesses to locate or expand in the City of Whittier. The data collected in the Consumer Propensity Report is also valuable for existing local businesses as it can help businesses better understand existing clients and customers as well as potential customers and their shopping patterns. The Whittier Chamber is proud to partner with the City in providing this information to its members and Whittier businesses.

Whittier Demographics

Founded in 1887 as a Quaker Colony, Whittier is a city rich with traditions and history. A strong sense of this heritage, which stresses the protection of landmark structures and sites, is shared by the people who call Whittier "home." Whittier’s unique combination of community identity, spirit and cooperation have helped to make it one of the most attractive and desirable residential and business locations in Southern California. It is this sense of history, as well as a clear vision for the future, that has made Whittier an up-scale and dynamic residential community.

Throughout the years, the City of Whittier has strived to provide a healthy and safe community and a well-maintained infrastructure enhanced by planned patterns of growth and development. Through a balance of economic, social, political, cultural and recreational opportunities, the City Council has encouraged an atmosphere conducive to community spirit and active participation in the affairs and progress of the community. Such efforts have been made to ensure a visually pleasing community in which the City’s identity and character are preserved and enhanced.

Whittier is a beautiful, friendly community, nestled within the east Los Angeles basin, with the majestic hills to the north and freeway access to both LA and Orange county communities. Home to two colleges, Whittier College to the west and Rio Hondo College to the north, Whittier is a philanthropic community.

Whittier has a history of attracting shoppers from the neighboring Los Angeles and Orange County communities. The "Shop Whittier" program, promoted by the Chamber of Commerce, is designed to promote and publicize the importance of shopping locally and keeping sales tax dollars within the city. With an average household income of $61,000+/- and 1.9 million population within 10 miles, Whittier offers excellent potential for expanding businesses to find just the right location in one of the city’s key retail hubs; The Marketplace in west Whittier, Uptown in northwest Whittier, The Quad in central Whittier, Whittwood Town Center in East Whittier and the many Boulevard retail locations spanning from east to west Whittier. Businesses and industries in the area include 2500 professional services, retail stores, hotels and motels, automobile dealerships and over specialty shops and boutiques.

Whittier is readily accessible to virtually all Los Angeles and Orange County communities. Located just 12 miles southeast of Los Angeles and occupying 12.4 square miles, incorporated Whittier is populated by 87,000 people and 188,000 for the Whittier Area. The city of Whittier, incorporated in 1898, has a City Manager / Council type of government.

Top

Economic Condition

Whittier offers an outstanding quality of life to new business owners, managers, and professionals who choose to settle locally. There is a wide spectrum of housing opportunities ranging from spacious estates in Friendly Hills to moderately priced Victorian homes, California bungalows, condominiums, townhouses and apartments.

Top

Housing Characteristics

The Whittier Association of Apartment Owners is a committee of the Chamber that is designed to enhance and educate apartment owners and managers in Whittier. The Association meets quarterly to discuss issues which are pertinent and critical to the success of running and operating an apartment complex.

Top

Educational Opportunities

Whittier is proud of its many educational opportunities, from the quality private and parochial schools to its award winning public schools which include 34 elementary, 8 middle, and 5 high schools. Whittier is also home to Rio Hondo Community College and Whittier College, a nationally ranked private four-year institution offering liberal arts, law and MBA programs.

Top

Community Demographics

Location: Whittier is located 12 miles southeast of Los Angeles.
Area: 12.4 square miles.
Elevation: 200-1000 feet.
Population: County: 8,863,164; Incorporated City: 82,805
Government: The City of Whittier has a City Manager / Council type of government. It was incorporated in 1898.

Top

Market Profile Report

Area 1: Zip Codes 90601 � 90606

The Market Profile Report contains a comprehensive list of demographic information based on 1990 Census data updated to reflect 1999 estimates and 2004 projections. Population and household count data on this report is retrieved at the census block level.

Top

Population and Households

Population and household information allows you to quantify the market size and measure future market growth. Population is defined as all living persons. Households include all occupied housing units, regardless of the relationship of the residents.

2004 Population	187,847
1999 Population	181,122
1990 Population	172,555
Pop. Per square mile	5,709
2004 Households	60,621
1999 Households	58,402
1990 Households	55,494
% Annual HH Growth (1990-1999)	0.6

Top

Household by Income

Household income is a good indicator of the spending power of your market. Household income includes the income of all persons 15 years old and over. Median income divides the income distribution into two equal parts, one-half falling above the median and half below.

% Under $15,000	9.4
% $15,000 – $24,999	10.5
% $25,000 – $34,999	12.7
% $35,000 – $49,999	19.5
% $50,000 – $74,999	24.2
% $75,000 – $99,999	12.0
% $100,000 – $149,999	7.8
% Above $150,000	4.0

Median: $48,349 Average: $63,141

Top

Population by Race

The race variables represent the self-classification by people according to the race with which they most closely identify. Ancestry can be viewed as the nationality, lineage or country of birth of a person. Persons of Hispanic ancestry may be of any race.
(Data is from 1999)

% White	61.1
% Black	1.1
% Asian	5.2
% Other	32.6
% Hispanic Ancestry	60.8

Top

Population by Age

Population by age variables provide valuable information as to the relative maturity of youth of a particular market. Median age divides the age distribution into two equal parts, one-half falling below the median and one-half above.
(Data is from 1999)

% Under Age 5	8.8
% Age 5 – 14	16.7
% Age 15 – 17	4.1
% Age 18 – 20	4.5
% Age 21 – 25	5.2
% Age 25 – 35	15.4
% Age 35 – 44	15.4
% Age 45 – 54	10.9
% Age 55 – 64	7.7
% Age 65 – 74	6.4
% Age 75 – 84	3.7
% Age 85 +	1.2

Median Age: 32.1 Average Age: 33.8

Top

Aggregate Income

(Data is from 1999)

Total ($ Millions)	$1,649
Per Capita	$20,512

I the Whittier Chamber

Sequoia Lynch

My name is Sequoia Lynch, I have just graduated from Life Pacific University with a Bachelor in Mass Communications. I currently work with my father at Southland Window Cleaning Company. The Whittier Student Chamber empowered me. It gave me the resources and opportunities to become the person I want to be. I remember the various workshops the Chamber held for us, workshops for resume building, strength finding, and more. They opened my eyes to a new world and helped me think like a business person. They instilled in me the idea that I could become anyone I wanted to be. While at the Chamber I have the opportunity to partake in their student leadership, and during my first year there I had the amazing privilege of becoming the Vice President of the Student Chamber. The conversations I had with Lori Eshilian and some of the chamber representatives about how we can make the student Chamber better stay with me even now. They gave me an introduction to how to think like a leader, which has opened the door for other amazing opportunities. In my senior year of college, I became the Associated Student Government President for the whole school. The Chamber was foundational in giving me the skills to do this. The Whittier Chamber funds a scholarship for Chamber students every year. I got this scholarship in my senior year, in 2019. It was the first scholarship I earned, and it put me on a path toward success. If you are considering donating to this scholarship, do it. I am living proof that it impacts lives and puts students on the right track. I am so thankful to everyone who donated to this scholarship in 2019, whether they know it or not, they changed my life.

Steve Rosas

I have worked with several Chambers in the past, but none have had the benefits as the Whittier Chamber. This team keeps networking going at a rapid pace. Through ribbon cuttings, Wake Up Whittier, Tasty Tuesdays, and Thirsty Thursdays, I am constantly meeting new people. The benefits of the added business I have received from these networking events, far exceeds the time and money invested. I would recommend the Whittier Chamber to any existing business to get your name out on the Whittier area and beyond. The potential to pick up new customers is truly there with a small investment of your time. I love the Chamber so much I became an Ambassador as a way to say thank you for all they have done for me.

Ara Balayan

Catering by Herach and Ara was started in February of 1984 as a Social Catering Company. The emphasis of the company is to serve excellent quality food, at a reasonable price and excellent service. Our menus are an eclectic mix of cuisines offering a "home-cooked" to "elegant" presentation. We became members of the Whittier Area Chamber of Commerce 9 years ago because we saw the value of a very active, multi-dimensional and pro-business chamber. Ara Balayan Catering by Herach & Ara

Rich Southard

Home Instead Senior Care

While I acquired a business that had been an important part of the Whittier community since 2003, I was still new to town. The Whittier Area Chamber of Commerce offers the best resource for business and personal connections. When a client needs something, I can check the directory or ask for an introduction. Having confidence in who we work with enabled us to add 25 jobs in the first year and as we approach the end of year two, we continue to develop relationships that serve our seniors. Our Whittier Chamber membership delivers a trusted network and more!

John Bogdanov

TelWorx

I joined the Whittier Chamber in July of 2018 because it is one of the best and most effective ways to network with local business owners and community leaders. Since joining the Whittier Chamber has been very supportive, not only by providing several regular networking events but also in helping to promote my business. Every local business should consider joining the Chamber. Your returns will significantly exceed your investment.

Justin Tipton

Telcog Communications

Hi, my name is Justin Tipton and I am the V.P. of Telcog Communications, located in Uptown Whittier. I have been with the Whittier Chamber for almost 3 years now and we absolutely love it. I decided to join the Chamber after speaking with one of my business partners who had previously been part of another chamber with a different organization. The Chamber has been great for us in several areas. We have been introduced to several of our clients through networking events and referrals. Not only have I gained new accounts, but I’ve met so many other business owners that have been a huge help in my ongoing education as an entrepreneur. The workshops have been great to learn new tips and techniques, helping me in areas I may not have too much knowledge in. If I have any advice for someone who is thinking of joining the Chamber, it would be to join right away! The team is amazing, the members are amazing, and it is one of the best investments my company and I have made.

Laurie Perschbacher

MAP Property Management, Inc.

MAP Property Management has been a Whittier Chamber member since 1996. Joining the Chamber has been a smart business decision for our family. The Chamber has given us exposure to many other business leaders in the community and the opportunity to know City Council members, City staff, and employees. Most importantly, the Business Focus has brought in new business to our company by having a constant presence in the paper. Join the Chamber because it’s a great investment in your business plan. I don’t regret making this decision 23 years ago. I feel that the Chamber has given us resources that I could not have found on my own. I have made wonderful friendships along the way that I would not have if it wasn’t for the Whittier Chamber.

Robert Reggio

Associated Cabinets

I was invited to join the Chamber as a way to grow my business and support the Whittier community 19 years ago. Due to the nature of my job and my work schedule, I am not able to attend Chamber programs. However, I know there is value in being a member whether you have time to participate or not. For such a small annual amount, it is well worth the investment. Especially because I don’t physically participate in Chamber programs, it’s important to keep my business name visible. For many years I have sponsored events such as the Hathaway Golf Classic, the Business Expo and Silver Shield to name a few. The Chamber has always given me great exposure and a good return on my sponsorship dollars. In addition, the Chamber connects me with other Chamber members, either personally or through my business. Most recently, I have done business with S & R Air Conditioning, All Day Drywall, James Hardware, Oromill Lumber, The Traveling Traveler, Pro-Tech Carpet Cleaner, Ken Grody Ford, Toyota of Whittier, Shannon G’s Flowers and The WetCleaners, not to mention eating at numerous restaurants that belong to the Chamber. In turn, over the years I have received business through my Chamber connections and have helped with custom cabinets, beautiful new kitchens, and remodeled bathrooms. Being a Chamber member has definitely helped my business grow. I can’t imagine anyone being in business without having the support of the Whittier Chamber.

Angie Mericle

The Flag Shop

"The Flag Shop has been part of the Whittier Chamber for 34 years when my mother-in-law opened her doors in 1985. We made the choice to continue being a part of the Chamber to be able to network with other businesses and be part of the Whittier business community. The Chamber has promoted my business, continued to keep me up to date with local business events, connected us with SCORE mentoring, and because of this connection, we have been able to advance our business by relocating back to the retail & restaurant Uptown area of Whittier. I encourage anyone with a business in Whittier to join the Chamber and get connected with other local businesses and let the awesome Chamber team help promote your business!"

Barbara Dunagan

Integrity Tax and Notary Services

“As I start my 2nd year with the Whittier Chamber I believe it was one of the best things I did when I decided to start my own business a year ago. Even though I have not been able to attend some of the events they plan, my information gets distributed through them regularly. New clients come in and say they found me through the Whittier Chamber. This is a great way to market and grow your business.”

Bonnie Watje

ACRO Printing, Inc.

In 1991, ACRO Printing, Inc, our one employee company, joined the Whittier Chamber of Commerce. Our membership has given ACRO opportunities to help us grow through volunteering on committees (where you meet and work with members to form relationships), advertising in the Business Focus, website and door to door flyer programs, networking, and education and staff training, just to name a few, to keep the business on the right track. We took full advantage of those opportunities, and through our partnership with the Whittier Chamber, we have grown into the solid company with many employees we are today.

Kim Ortega

Au.D. Doctor of Audiology, Whittier Hearing Center

“Being a member of the Whittier Chamber is important to me because it keeps me connected to other business owners throughout the community. They also help to keep me informed of local, regional and state issues that may have an impact on my business. Lastly, the Chamber gives back so much to the community and members support each other in so many ways.”

View Testimonials

Blogs

It’s Time for Spring Cleaning!

Spring has traditionally been the time for cleaning, the time for starting new, the time for plans and projects, the time for purging and planning, the time for refreshing and reevaluating. No...Read More

Quick & easy ways to promote your business

"I'm a member. How can I promote my business through the Whittier Chamber?" Write a blog! Have something interesting to share with the community? Maybe it's a How-To article or the basic...Read More

What’s in Chamber Membership for You? Hint: it’s more...

Years ago, businesspeople joined the chamber because it was expected. It was just something you did. These days membership isn’t automatic but it’s still a valuable investment in your business. In addition...Read More

3 Reasons to Join the Chamber in a Time...

Times of economic uncertainty don’t cause anyone to look for new ways to spend money. But there are some investments in your business that even when you’re worried about cash flow, are...Read More

5 Tips Professional Burglars Don’t Want You to Know

Every 20 seconds, a burglary occurs in the U.S. But you can protect yourself, especially if you know the techniques burglars use and how to thwart them. Your home is one of...Read More

Choosing The Right Local Whittier Electrician

Blog provided by Suncoast Energy, Inc. When it comes to electrical work in your home or business, you will know not to take it on yourself. You should always leave it to the...Read More

Why pledge to shop local?

The Whittier area is a special place with special people – it always has been, and we are committed to keeping Whittier a great place to live, work, shop, and play. We...Read More

4 Ways to Look Your Best on a Video...

Be honest. Do you love or hate video conferencing? There's nothing more awkward than dialing in to a conference call only to find out it's a video conference call and you haven't...Read More

LA County Coronavirus Emergency Declaration and what you...

Provided by LA County Supervisor Janice Hahn The LA County Board of Supervisors and the Department of Public Health joined the City of Los Angeles in declaring a local and public health emergency in...Read More

Emergency Fund 101

Article provided by Thrivent Financial Take this crash course on how you could be saving for the unexpected. It happens to everyone: Life hands you an unpleasant surprise, and you’re left holding...Read More

Is your website accessible to people with disabilities?

Provided by Base Note Labs Is your website accessible to people with disabilities? More than the general benefit of reaching a larger audience, and the less well-known benefits for search engine optimization...Read More

Managing Holiday Expenses

Provided by Credit Union of Southern California According to a 2017 survey from mobile startup Varo, 74 percent of Americans say they often fail to budget properly for the holidays. And so...Read More

The Vaping Dilemma

Blog provided by Mark Scott, LAADC, SAP There have been a number of stories recently about people dying from vaping. The main reason seems to be the use of e-cigarettes bought from...Read More

7 of the Many Ways the SBDC Can Help...

Provided by Small Business Development Center (SBDC) When running a small business, multiple factors can contribute to its lasting success or premature demise. Conducting effective marketing, hiring the right staff, securing a timely small business loan, and...Read More

A Spare Bedroom Can Change a Student’s Life

Jovenes, Inc adds a new housing program, Host Homes, to get homeless youth off the streets Los Angeles, CA— Jovenes Inc, a non-profit organization working with youth (ages 18-24) experiencing homelessness throughout...Read More

Customer Loyalty Programs That Actually Add Value

Did you know it costs a business about 5-10X more to acquire a new customer than it does to sell to an existing one? Not only that but on average, current customers spend 67% more than new customers. In...Read More

Tips to Save on Back-to-School Shopping

CONSIDER THIS: According to a Deloitte survey, back-to-school season has become the second-biggest shopping season of the year in the United States. American households were expected to spend about $27.6 billion on...Read More

Is Your Website Accomplishing Your Goals?

Whether you use your website to provide information, find new leads or make online sales, you need to know as much about your online visitors as possible. Behavior patterns once a visitor...Read More

Is Discrimination Present in Your Small Business Hiring Practices?

Discrimination at work is making the news quite often these days, but typically, the stories focus on discrimination against people who have already been hired. Just as important, but less often discussed,...Read More

Let the Whittier Chamber be part of your Summer/Fall...

The Whittier Chamber produces a Community Resource Magazine twice a year which features a business directory where all Whittier Chamber members are listed for free as a benefit of membership. We are...Read More

Noticeable Signs of Alcoholism

Despite the recent emphasis on opiate addiction and related deaths, alcohol still kills more people in our country than all the other illicit drugs combined. According to the National Institute on Alcohol...Read More

5 Spring Planting Tips & Easter Fun Facts

5 Spring Planting Tips 1. Garden Cleaning Start by cleaning your garden, remove all unwanted items (leaves, dead plants, etc). Remove weeds including the roots so they won’t grow back. 2. Make...Read More

How to Improve Your Business Reputation for Free

As a small business owner, your reputation is everything. It will make or break your business. Warren Buffet understood the value of a good business reputation when he said, "It takes 20...Read More

The Non-Verbal Advantage: Your 5 Winning Tips to Boost...

You and most anyone can improve non-verbal communication like body language, to increase presence, influence, and confidence. Many of us don’t realize that in everything we do, we are communicating something. The...Read More

Which business stage are you in?

Every business goes through similar stages, no matter which industry it operates in. Knowing what stage your company is in can help guide you in focusing your efforts on the right activities...Read More

Top 7 Tech Trends for Real Estate Agents

If you're involved in the real estate market as an investor, agent, buyer, or seller, you likely already know that this is one industry that's in love with the latest technologies. From...Read More

Five Critical Questions to Ask About Your Business

As the owner of a small-to-medium size business, chances are good that you already spend you-time answering countless questions every single day from employees, suppliers, customers, and prospects. The issue here is...Read More

8 business resources you can find at the library

You might be surprised at the business resources that can be found at our local library. Small business owners and entrepreneurs have access to anoften untapped resource that can provide a wealth...Read More

Words That Can Ruin Your Sentence

Crutch words slip into sentences in order to give the speaker more time to think or to emphasize a statement. Over time, they become unconscious verbal tics. Most often, crutch words do not...Read More

Give where you live – #GIVINGTUESDAY

#GivingTuesday is a global day of giving fueled by the power of social media and collaboration. Celebrated on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving and the widely recognized shopping events Black Friday, Small Business...Read More

Strong California Economy Will Allow Next Governor to Address...

By Allan Zaremberg, President and CEO of the California Chamber of Commerce The top priorities for California’s next governor ought to reflect what is on the minds of Californians. With our diverse population,...Read More

4 Tips to Make Your Business More Likable

People buy from people they know, like, and trust. While you might be in the right place at the right time when someone is up against it, and they may buy from...Read More

20+ Reasons You Should Join the Whittier Chamber of...

Have you considered joining the Whittier Chamber? Are you wondering if it’s worth the investment? Or maybe you haven’t considered it at all because you think it’s the kind of thing that...Read More

7 Marketing Mistakes That Can Come Back to Haunt...

This may be the week for ghosts and goblins, but ghastly creatures aren’t the only things that can haunt a small business owner. Making any one of the 7 common marketing mistakes...Read More

4 Business Lessons Learned in a Bowling League

Bowling is a lot of fun, and playing on a team with your friends can make it even more fun. All fun aside though, you can actually learn a lot about business...Read More

Member News

View Blogs

View News

Whittier Demographics

Whittier Demographics

Economic Condition

Housing Characteristics

Educational Opportunities

Community Demographics

Market Profile Report

Population and Households

Household by Income

Population by Race

Population by Age

Aggregate Income

Featured Stories & Events

Upcoming Events

Community Calendar

New Members

Renewing Members

Featured Video

I the Whittier Chamber

Blogs

Member News

Whittier Area Chamber of Commerce