Temple City, California

About Temple City, California

Leading up to the 21st century, Temple City’s population shifted to a more multicultural makeup, with an Asian majority— as of the most recently available census data, over 55% of citizens identify as part of it. As a result, this demographic has been a vital and vibrant face of much local culture & businesses in the last 20 to 30 years.

History

Temple City, fittingly and straightforwardly, is named after Walter P. Temple, who purchased 400 acres from local business magnate Lucky Baldwin that formed the community’s initial territory. Temple’s eponymous paternal ancestors and his maternal ancestors, the Workmans, were both prominent Californian land-owning families alongside Baldwin’s for several decades prior.

Walter was the tenth of twelve children and had comparably modest ambitions for his land: mainly that it be divided into sub-lots and spawn a small, affordable settlement where working-class individuals— many friends— could live inexpensively. And eventually, come to own their lots/homes.

This endeavor proved successful, and the town grew quietly but steadily into the early 20th century, aided by an extension of the Pacific Electric railway’s Los Angeles to Altadena line that put an additional stop/depot within city limits (a development petitioned for by local residents).

Originally known as just ‘Temple,’ the ‘City’ was added to the name in 1926 at the urging of the Postmaster General because mail was often getting confused with that of Tempe, Arizona. Despite this change, the town was not incorporated as an actual city until 1960, after the postwar baby boom had catalyzed population growth even further.

Demographic

Racial

White: 13.4%
Two or more races: 2.5%
Asian: 65.2%
Other race: 17.8%
Black or African American: 0.4%
Native American: 0.1%
Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander: 0.6%

Marital Status

Never married: Male 34.4%
Never married: Female 29.4%
Now married: Male 56.8%
Now married: Female 49.4%
Divorced: Male 5.8%
Divorced: Female 9.2%
Widowed: Male 3%
Widowed: Female 11.9%

Age and Household

Population: 36,165
Male Population: 17,177
Female Population: 18,988
Median Age: 42.9 years old
Under 18: 21.3%
18 to 64: 60.1%
65 and over: 18.7%
Total Households: 11,722
Average People Per Household: 3
Home Ownership Rate: 60.7%.

Income

Median Household Income: $95,263
Per capita income: $40,134
Poverty Rate: 10.1% (lower than both the metro and state averages)​
White Collar: 15,139
Blue Collar: 1,990

Education Level

9th to 12th Grade: 4.96%
Associates Degree: 8.23%
Bachelors Degree: 27.8%
Graduate Degree:14.08%
High School Graduate: 22.58%
Less Than 9th Grade: 6.83%
Some College:15.52%

source: US Census data

Education

Notable People

Temple City, while smaller than some surrounding communities, has still given the world a noteworthy handful of professionals across several different disciplines.

Let’s take a brief look at some of the most notable individuals from Temple City in the most visible fields.

  • Anna Nalick (singer)
  • Julia Ling (actress)
  • Xpecial (professional gamer)
  • Clyde Beck (athlete)
  • Edith Maxwell (author)

Points of Interest

Camellia Festival

This festival takes place every February and has a parade, rides, and a variety of entertainment.

Farmers Market

Located at the parking lot between City Hall and Temple City Park. The market is open every Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Temple City Library

Located at 5939 Golden West Ave, Temple City, CA 91780, the Library has a mural painted by 20 Temple City students under the guidance of muralist Art Mortimer. The Library is open Tuesday through Saturday.

Parish Fiesta

Located at Broadway & Cloverly Avenue, the Fiesta lasts for three days, with game booths, rides, and food vendors.

Floating Teapot Fountain

Located at Rosemead / Las Tunas, Temple City, CA 91780, this water feature attraction is well known for the remarkable feat of a floating teapot filling a cup.

Parkhurst Galleries

Located at 9413 Las Tunas Dr, Temple City, CA 91780, it features original artwork of contemporary realism and regional artists. The Gallery also offers fine art classes, custom framing, and appraisal/restoration services.

Fun Facts

  • The City was ranked as the 5th safest city to live in California.
  • The streets were named after family friends of Walter P. Temple (who founded the town). Some of the names of the streets are Workman, Kauffman, Rowland, Temple, and Agnes. 
  • First known as the City of Temple, the city had to change its name in 1926 because the mail was accidentally being directed to the Phoenix suburb of Tempe. It was officially designated Temple City.
  • Temple City’s Slogan is the Home of Camellias.
  • Many films and TV shows have been filmed in the city, including:
    • Euphoria (2019)
    • Terminator (1984)
    • Wonder Years (1988-1993)
    • Can’t Hardly Wait (1998)
    • The Doors (1991)
    • Jail Bait (1954)

FAQs

Is Temple City a good area?

Temple City, a Los Angeles suburb, has 36,526 residents. Residents of Temple City enjoy a sparse suburban feel, and the majority own their homes.

What is Temple City known for?

The name of the city means “Home of Camellias.” A vast land grant known as the “La Puente” site was purchased by John Rowland and Benito Wilson from the Spanish government.

What is the race population of Temple City?

Asians (64.7% of Temple City’s population) are the largest racial/ethnic group, followed by Hispanics (18.6%) and Whites (13.2%).

Is Temple City rich?

Having a population of 35.7k in 2020, Temple City, California, had a median household income of $84,442. In Temple City, California, the population fell from 36,042 to 35,699 between 2019 and 2020, a 0.952% decrease, while the median household income increased from $78,516 to $84,442, a 7.55% increase.

Does Temple City have a curfew?

The city’s juvenile curfew ordinance is described in very general terms below, along with the usual methods of enforcement: Unaccompanied minors aged 16 and under must be at home by 11 p.m. on Sunday through Thursday and must stay there until 6 a.m.

Is Temple City safe to live in?

Temple City ranks among the state’s safest and financially sound cities.

What is the minimum wage in Temple City?

The current minimum wage in Temple City, CA, is $15.50 an hour.