Whittier Demographics
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.
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.
Housing Characteristics
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 |
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: $63,141
Population by Race
The race variables represent the self-classification by people according to the race with which they most closely identify. Ancestry can be viewed as the nationality, lineage or country of birth of a person. Persons of Hispanic ancestry may be of any race.
(Data is from 1999)
% White | 61.1 |
% Black | 1.1 |
% Asian | 5.2 |
% Other | 32.6 |
% Hispanic Ancestry | 60.8 |
Population by Age
Population by age variables provide valuable information as to the relative maturity of youth of a particular market. Median age divides the age distribution into two equal parts, one-half falling below the median and one-half above.
(Data is from 1999)
% Under Age 5 | 8.8 |
% Age 5 – 14 | 16.7 |
% Age 15 – 17 | 4.1 |
% Age 18 – 20 | 4.5 |
% Age 21 – 25 | 5.2 |
% Age 25 – 35 | 15.4 |
% Age 35 – 44 | 15.4 |
% Age 45 – 54 | 10.9 |
% Age 55 – 64 | 7.7 |
% Age 65 – 74 | 6.4 |
% Age 75 – 84 | 3.7 |
% Age 85 + | 1.2 |
Median Age: 32.1 Average Age: 33.8
Aggregate Income
(Data is from 1999)
Total ($ Millions) | $1,649 |
Per Capita | $20,512 |