The city of Hacienda Heights, California, CA

San Gabriel Valley Master Key Podcast

About The City of Hacienda Heights, California, CA

hacienda heights ca

About Hacienda Heights, CA

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’.

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.

Hacienda Heights, CA FAQ 

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 everyone’s needs. The excellent nearby schools provide a wide range of extracurricular activities for the younger pupils. 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.

Hacienda Heights Demographics

Age and Household Statistics in Hacienda Heights

Male Population: 27,272

Female Population: 28,114

Hacienda Heights Population: 55,386

Median Age: 42.8

Under 5 years old: approx. 4.7%

Under 18 years old: approx. 18.6%

Residents 65 or older: approx. 19.8%

Total Households: 16,465

Average People Per Household: 3

Marital Status Statistics

Never Married: 15,680

Married: 25,276

Separated: 814

Widowed: 2,931

Divorced: 2,867

Racial Statistics (percentages) in Hacienda Heights

White: 30.5%

Black or African American: 0.9%

American Indian/Native American: 1.0%

Asian: 40.6%

Two or More Races: 7.7%

Hispanic or Latino: 45.0%

Income Statistics in Hacienda Heights

Average Household Income: $113,820

Median Household Income: $88,691

People below Poverty Level: 4,567

Blue Collar Positions: 5,168

White Collar Positions: 21,396

Education Level in Hacienda Heights

No High School: 2,502

Some High School: 13,981

Some College: 11,936

Associate Degree: 4,233

Bachelor’s Degree: 9,924

Graduate Degree: 4,296

  • 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)

Climiate of  Hacienda Heights 

Mild, year-round Mediterranean climate:

76 F | 24 C average daytime

54 F | 12 C average nighttime

The summers are typically short. They feel warm and are particularly arid. The winters are long and feel wet and cool. 

The warmest season is from the end of June until mid-September, with an average of 85F on the hottest days. 

The coolest season is from mid-November all the way until mid-March. The average temperature in the cool time is a little below 70F. 

It doesn’t rain very much in Hacienda Heights, but the 6-month stretch between October and April shows about 31 days. And the opposite, from April to October, started a “rainless” period, where there is little expectation of rainfall. 

Additionally noteworthy is the proximity to several surrounding hillsides, which have hosted occasional but extreme brush fires, including some within the last few years.

Hacienda Heights, California, CA 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.