San Marino, California

About San Marino, California

Leading up to the 21st century, San Marino has become a suburban enclave for the moderately wealthy and successful, which has led the demographic makeup to skew more Caucasian than many of its surrounding municipal neighbors.

History

Several notable individuals were involved in the founding of what would become San Marino, including prominent local landowner Don Benito Wilson, who bequeathed 500 acres to his son-in-law James DeBarth Shorb, who christened the land San Marino after his grandfather’s Maryland plantation.

The small farming plots grew into a booming agricultural economy for early San Marino, with the city becoming especially renowned for its expansive fruits and crops.

Demographic

Racial

White: 21.2%
Two or more races: 3.3%
Asian: 68.5%
Other race: 0%
Black or African American: 0.5%
Native American: 0.0%
Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander: 0.1%

Marital Status

Never married: Male 33.4%
Never married: Female 26%
Now married: Male 63.3%
Now married: Female 60.1%
Divorced: Male 1.4%
Divorced: Female 5%
Widowed: Male 1.9%
Widowed: Female 9%

Age and Household

Population:12,442
Male Population: 6,345
Female Population: 6,097
Median Age: 45.5 years old
Under 18: 23.3%
18 to 64: 55.4%
65 and over: 21.3%
Total Households: 3,916
Average People Per Household: 3.1
Home Ownership Rate: 83.1%.

Income

Median household income: $174,253
Per capita income: $88,297
Poverty Rate: 9.0% Persons below poverty line
White Collar: 5,265
Blue Collar: 461

Education Level

9th to 12th Grade: 1.07%
Associates Degree: 3.22%
Bachelors Degree: 41.93%
Graduate Degree: 38.17%
High School Graduate: 5%
Less Than 9th Grade: 56%
Some College: 8.05%

source: US Census data

Education

Notable People

San Marino, while perhaps less than some surrounding communities, has still given the world a noteworthy handful of professionals across several different disciplines.

  • Howard Kazanjian (film producer)
  • Stephen Pastis (cartoonist)
  • George S. Patton, Jr. (military general)
  • Henry Bumstead (film production-designer)

Points of Interest

Huntington Library Art Museum and Botanical Gardens

Located at 1151 Oxford Rd, San Marino, CA 91108, in the Huntington Library, there are a number of rare books, documents, and photos. Spanning 120 acres, the Botanical Gardens has over 12 themed gardens.

El Molino Viejo

Located at 1120 Old Mill Rd, San Marino, CA 91108, also called The Old Mill, it is a former grist mill built in 1816 by Father José María de Zalvidea from the Mission San Gabriel Arcángel.

The Edwin Hubble House

Located at 1340 Woodstock Rd, San Marino, CA 91108. Built in 1925, this historic house in San was the home of one of the greatest astronomers of the 20th century Edwin Hubble for most of his professional life. 

Centennial Clock

Located at 2264 Huntington Dr, San Marino, CA 91108, this 19-foot high clock has a time capsule with items donated by residents and community organizations that will be opened on July 4, 2039.

Fun Facts

  • San Marino is well known for its extensive and priceless collection of art treasures in the famous Huntington Library and Art Gallery.
  • San Marino is one of the wealthiest places in the United States in terms of household income.
  • The Tongva Indians originally occupied San Marino.
  • There have been a number of movies and TV shows filmed in San Marino
    • Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)
    • The West Wing (1999-2006)
    • Scandal (2012-2018)
    • Iron Man 2 (2010)
    • Dr. Quinn Medicine (1993–1998)

FAQs

Why is San Marino CA so rich?

San Marino’s transformation can be traced back to 1903 when California railroad tycoon Henry E. Huntington bought a sizable estate there. San Marino was established on this territory, and right from the very beginning it drew the richest families from the affluent upper class of nearby Pasadena.

What is San Marino, CA, known for?

The extensive and priceless collection of artistic treasures housed in the renowned Huntington Library and Art Gallery has made the City of San Marino famous around the globe today.

Is San Marino a good place to live?

Yes, we believe so! San Marino, a Los Angeles suburb, has 12,620 residents. Residents of San Marino enjoy a rural lifestyle, and the majority own their homes. There are numerous eateries, coffee shops, and parks in San Marino.

What is the average household income in San Marino, California?

The average household income in San Marino is about $175,000.

Do a lot of celebrities live in San Marino, CA?

San Marino is extremely wealthy, but few Hollywood celebrities live there, and it lacks the attractions that most A-listers find overly valuable.

Is San Marino worth visiting?

Yes, you should definitely visit San Marino. It has beautiful scenery, a fantastic atmosphere, fantastic food, and charming areas.