West Covina, California

About West Covina, California

Like most of the San Gabriel Valley, West Covina offers tons of food, shopping, and entertainment options. Not to mention outdoor activities, as well. The moderate city council ensures that the local government is adequately funded. The school district is highly competitive and expanding, and crime is low compared to the nearby cities. In general, West Covina is a secure place to bring up a family.

The area was known for walnut and orange groves.

History

The history of West Covina, CA follows the history of Covina, that of being part of a Rancho purchased from the Puente Rancho by John Edward Hollenbeck in 1842 until the areas split in 1923. The split came when West Covina wanted to stop Covina from building a sewage farm in the area. 

Because of the incorporation of West Covina, the area produced fruit and nuts long into the 1900s. After West Covina stopped farming, it became one of the fastest-expanding cities in America. 

Decades later, the city of West Covina still produces beautiful citrus fruit and walnuts for the world. 

Demographic

Racial

White: 8.8%
Two or more races: 1.9%
Asian: 31.7%
Other race: 54.7%
Black or African American: 2.6%
Native American: 0.2%
Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander: 0.1%

Marital Status

Never married: Male 42.6%
Never married: Female 34.7%
Now married: Male 49.8%
Now married: Female 43.7%
Divorced: Male 6.5%
Divorced: Female 12.2%
Widowed: Male 1.1%
Widowed: Female 9.5%

Age and Household

Population: 105,032
Male Population: 50,882
Female Population: 54,150
Median Age: 38.7 years old
Under 18 23.1%
18 to 64 61.1%
65 and over 15.8%
Total Households: 34,104
Average People Per Household: 3.1
Home Ownership Rate:62.4%.

Income

Median Household Income: $84,663
Per capita income: $35,132
Poverty 11% Persons below poverty line
White Collar: 42,900
Blue Collar: 10,831

Education Level

9th to 12th Grade: 6.06%
Associates Degree: 8.58%
Bachelors Degree: 20.94%
Graduate Degree: 8.83%
High School Graduate: 27.4%
Less Than 9th Grade: 7.42%
Some College: 20.77%

source: US Census data

Education

Notable People

Actors/Actresses 

  • Robert Buckley- Actor 
  • Nia Peeples – Actress 
  • Tim Robbins- Actor and director 

 

Musicians

  • Joan Jett – Rock star
  • Mr. Capone-E – Chicano rappeur
  • Larry Hernández – Mexican-American singer
  • Greg Camp – Songwriter
  • Nad Sylvan – Swedish progressive rock musician and songwriter

 

Athletics 

  • Dan Haren – Major League Baseball pitcher
  • Rick Aguilera – Major League Baseball pitcher
  • Troy Aikman – National Football League quarterback and broadcaster 
  • Tom Brunansky – Major League Baseball outfielder and coach
  • Jeff Cox- Major League Baseball player 
  • Joey Eischen – Major League Baseball pitcher
  • Carlos Fisher – Baseball pitcher
  • Jeremy Giambi – Major League Baseball outfielder
  • Jason Giambi – Major League Baseball first baseman
  • Jonathan Gibson – Basketball Association basketball player
  • Jay Johnstone – Major League Baseball outfielder
  • Mike Lamb – Major League Baseball infielder 
  • Cory Lidle -Major League Baseball pitcher
  • Jim Merritt – could Major League Baseball pitcher
  • Mike Powell – World record-breaking long jumper
  • Jo-Jo Reyes- MLB Player 
  • Ron Roenicke – Major League Baseball pitcher and manager 
  • Aaron Small – Major League Baseball pitcher 
  • Brian Stewart – defensive backs coach at the University of Nebraska
  • Bill Stoneman – Major League Baseball pitcher
  • Gabe York – basketball player 
  • Ernesto Escobedo – Professional tennis player
  • Gary Roenicke – Major League Baseball outfielder

 

Writers

  • Mystery novelist- Lee Charles Kelley
  • Brigitte Secard -Author 

 

Artists 

  • Keith Parkinson – Artist

 

Misc

  • Jackie Beat – Drag queen 
  • Electronic Dance Music-  producer and DJ
  • Scheana Shay – Television personality

Points of Interest

The Plaza at West Covina

Located at 112 Plaza Dr, West Covina, CA 91790, the mall has over 200 shops, high-end boutiques, and restaurants. The mall has two levels and has major stores like Macy’s, JC Penney, Sears, Best Buy, and the XXI Forever flagship store.

 

The Heights at West Covina

Located at 2260 S Azusa Ave, West Covina, CA 91792, this 340,000-square-foot shopping center is anchored by Home Depot and Target and has a number of stores and restaurants.

 

Eastland Center

Located at 2753 E Eastland Center Dr, West Covina, CA 91791, this two-level shopping center has a number of department stores like PetSmart, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Burlington Coat Factory; Walmart and Target are two of the other major stores for Eastland Center.

 

West Covina Sportsplex

Located at 2100 S Azusa Ave, West Covina, CA 91792, and opened in 2007, this 315-acre commercial and recreational center has a sports park, commercial development, and public golf course.

Fun Facts

  • In 1923 West Covina became an independent city to stop Covina from building a sewage farm in the area.
  • After World War II, the city saw unprecedented growth.
  • The area was known for walnut and orange groves.
  • There have been a number of films and shows that were filmed in West Covina.
    • Boogie Nights (1997)
    • Good Burger (1997)
    • Encore! (2019 – 2020)
    • Wayne’s World (1992)
    • Frailty (2001)

FAQs

Is West Covina a nice place to live?

Like most of the San Gabriel Valley, West Covina offers tons of food, shopping, and entertainment options. Not to mention outdoor activities, as well. The moderate city council ensures that the local government is adequately funded. The school district is highly competitive and expanding, and crime is low compared to the nearby cities. In general, West Covina is a secure place to bring up a family.

What is West Covina known for?

In terms of pop culture, the San Gabriel Valley and West Covina serve as the series’ backdrops in the American drama Crazy Ex-Girlfriend.

How far is West Covina from the beach?

The distance between West Covina and Long Beach is 41 kilometers (25 miles).

How far is West Covina from Disney?

The distance between West Covina and Disneyland Park is 17.93 miles.

What is the minimum wage in West Covina, CA?

Effective January 1, 2023, the minimum wage is $15.50 per hour for all employers.