Hacienda Heights, California

About Hacienda Heights, California

As the town became increasingly suburbanized, Hacienda Heights’ population makeup transformed into a unique split of Caucasian, Asian, and Latine residents, with each demographic comprising more than 25% and less than 40% of people, per the most recently available census data.

As resultantly, an eclectic and multicultural ‘new normal’ has developed up to the present day and has been responsible for many diverse citizens, traditions, and businesses.

History

Hacienda Heights originates from the same titanic land grant as Rowland Heights, which the Mexican government awarded to John A. Rowland and William Workman in 1845. Several decades later, part of this land would be acquired by local business magnate Lucky Baldwin, whose daughter would sell it to new owners in the early 1910s.

These new owners christened their purchase of New Whittier Heights and subdivided the land into numerous groves of citrus, avocados, and walnuts.

These crops eventually fell prey to disease and pests, and post-World War II, the territory— like many others in the region— evolved into a burgeoning suburb. In 1961, likely as a hat-tip to both the land grant which birthed it and the housing developments rapidly sprouting, the community’s name was officially changed from North Whittier Heights to Hacienda Heights. Hacienda, when broadly translated from Spanish, means a large estate.

Demographic

Racial

White: 12.3%
Two or more races: 2.2%
Asian: 41.2%
Other race: 43.2% (Hispanic or Latino)
Black or African American: 0.8%
Native American: 0.2% (American Indian and Alaska Native)
Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander: 0.1%

Marital Status

Never married: Male 39.5%
Never married: Female 31.8%
Now married: Male 52%
Now married: Female 50.7%
Divorced: Male 6.3%
Divorced: Female 7.3%
Widowed: Male 2.2%
Widowed: Female 10.2%

Age and Household

Population:55,461
Male Population: 27,008
Female Population: 28,453
Median Age: 43.3 years old
Under 18: 18.8%
18 to 64: 61%
65 and over 20.2%Total Households: 16,385
Average People Per Household: 3
Home Ownership Rate: 75.5%.

Income

Median household income: $101,420
Per capita income: $39,231
10.6% below poverty line
White Collar: 21,336
Blue Collar: 4,918

Education Level

Less Than 9th Grade: 7.28%
9th to 12th Grade: 6.36%
High School Graduate: 23.01%
Associates Degree: 8.91%
Some College:19.27%
Bachelors Degree: 24.16%
Graduate Degree:11.01%

source: US Census data

Education

Notable People

Hacienda Heights, over the years, has given the world an array of professionals in a wide range of cultural and occupational disciplines.

While far from definitive, let’s take a brief look at some of the most notable individuals from Hacienda Heights in a few highly visible fields.

  • Fergie (singer)
  • Shane Del Rosario (MMA fighter)
  • Scott Williams (NBA player)
  • Caprice Bourret (model)
  • Andy DeMize (drummer/musician)
  • Jill Sterkel (Olympic swimmer)
  • Jeffrey Garcia (voice actor)

Points of Interest

Hsi Lai Temple

Located at 3456 Glenmark Dr, Hacienda Heights, CA 91745, the temple is a branch of Fo Guang Shan of Taiwan, the largest Buddhist temple in North America.

Early California Days

Located at 1345 Turnbull Canyon Rd, Hacienda Heights, CA 91745, St. John Vianney Catholic Church has hosted the “Early California Days” event since 1966.

Trubella Spa

Located at 15910 Halliburton Rd, Hacienda Heights, CA 91745, visitors can get cleansing treatments as well as purifying, soothing, and rejuvenating treatments for their skin, body, and soul in a relaxing atmosphere that offers seven individual treatment rooms.

Gates of Hell

Located at 2903-3089 Descending Dr, Hacienda Heights, California, 91745, this area was the home of a sanatorium but is now fenced off and in shambles. It is said not to visit there alone.

I Love America Parade

This Independence Day celebration began in 1988. This parade has performances by the Falun Dafa waist-drum band and dragon dancers. Another portion of the celebration is a battle of the bands between local high schools.

Fun Facts

  • Hacienda Heights has the largest Buddhist temple in North America.
  • Hacienda Heights used to be known for avocado, citrus, and walnut orchards, until the early 1940s when it became unprofitable due to pests and diseases.
  • The area became a bedroom community after the failure of the citrus crop.
  • There have been several movies filmed in Hacienda Heights, including:
    • Mac and Me (1988)
    • Someone I Used To Know (2013)
    • Geek USA (2013)

FAQs

Is Hacienda Heights a good place to live?

The neighborhood of Hacienda Heights is quite welcoming and diversified. The locals are kind, and there are several nearby stores that can meet anyone’s needs. The excellent nearby schools provide a wide range of extracurricular activities for the younger students. Comparatively to the rest of California, the cost of living in the neighborhood is very low.

What is the race population of Hacienda Heights?

The largest Hacienda Heights racial/ethnic groups are Hispanic (45.0%), followed by Asian (40.2%) and White (11.7%).

Is Hacienda Heights in LA County?

Yes, Hacienda Heights, California, is in LA County.

Is Hacienda Heights expensive to live in?

Housing costs in Hacienda Heights are 140% more expensive than the national average, and utility costs are 10% more expensive. Gas prices and transportation costs, such as bus fares, are 27% higher than the national average.

How far is Hacienda Heights from Disneyland?

Hacienda Heights is about 20.91 km from Disneyland.

When was Hacienda Heights built?

The present-day neighborhood of Hacienda Heights is situated on a portion of the Rancho La Puente, a Mexican land grant of 49,790.55 acres that was given to pioneers William Workman and John Rowland in 1845.