The city of Monrovia, CA

San Gabriel Valley Master Key Podcast

About Monrovia, California

Monrovia is one of the oldest towns in the San Gabriel Valley, located about 15 miles northeast of Los Angeles.

It was founded in 1886 when lots in the city first went up for sale. The city was named after Monrovia, Liberia, which a group of American settlers in 1824 had founded. A group of successful men in the banking and railroad industries settled in what is today Monrovia in the 1880s.

The first Immaculate Conception Parish was laid in 1905 by the Right Reverend Thomas F Conaty, Bishop of Monterey and Los Angeles. In 1926, a young, aspiring immigrant from Denmark, Harry E. Rosedale Sr., opened the Monrovia Nursery Co. on a 10-acre plot in Monrovia.

Monrovia is known today for its quaint historic downtown area and its picturesque residential neighborhoods. It also has a strong presence in the media, with several television and motion picture studios located in the city. Monrovia is also home to many educational institutions, including a number of elementary and secondary schools, as well as two colleges.

The city’s economy is based on the service, education, retail, and manufacturing industries. And in 1995, Monrovia received the All-American City award from the National Civic League.

Monrovia, CA FAQ

Is Monrovia, CA a good place to live?

The majority of people who live in Monrovia rent their homes, giving the city’s population a dense suburban feel. There are numerous eateries, coffee shops, and parks in Monrovia.

What movies were filmed in Monrovia, California?

Movies filmed in Monrovia, California, include Never Been Kissed (1999), American Pie (1999), Not Another Teen Movie (2001), Legally Blonde (2001), Bird Box (2018), The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997), Back to the Future Part II (1989), The Conjuring 2 (2016), Father of the Bride (1991), A Cinderella Story (2004), Christine (1983), Dude, Where’s My Car? (2000), Back to the Future Part III (1990), The Number 23 (2007), and more.

Is Monroe part of LA County?

Monrovia, which is a portion of the San Gabriel Valley and is situated eight miles east of the City of Pasadena in Los Angeles County, is 20 miles northeast of Los Angeles at the foot of the San Gabriel Mountains.

What is the cost of living in Monrovia, California?

Housing costs in Monrovia are 149% 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.

What movies were filmed at Monrovia High School?

Movies that were filmed at Monrovia High School include Not Another Teen Movie (2001), Mask (1985), Trojan War (1997), Silence of the Heart (1984), Between Darkness and the Dawn (1985).

What is the minimum wage in Monrovia, California?

The minimum wage, as of January 1st 2023, is $15.50 per hour.

Monrovia Demographics

Monrovia, CA Demographics

Age and Household Statistics in Monrovia

Male Population: 18,195

Female Population: 19,441

Monrovia Population: 37,636

Median Age: 39.6

Under 5 years old: approx. 4.8%

Under 18 years old: approx. 21.6%

Residents 65 or older: approx. 13.4%

Total Households: 13,322

Average People Per Household: 3

Marital Status Statistics

Never Married: 11,115

Married: 14,365

Separated: 501

Widowed: 1,558

Divorced: 4,715

Racial Statistics (percentages) in Monrovia

White: 51.5%

Black or African American: 5.1%

American Indian/Native American: 0.6%

Asian: 14.5%

Two or More Races: 13.8%

Hispanic or Latino: 43.4%

Income Statistics in Monrovia

Average Household Income: $103,878

Median Household Income: $81,990

People below Poverty Level: 3,374

Blue Collar Positions: 3,071

White Collar Positions: 15,926

Education Level in Monrovia

No High School: 1,570

Some High School: 7,765

Some College: 7,801

Associate Degree: 2,366

Bachelor’s Degree: 7,154

Graduate Degree: 3,956

Monrovia Fun Facts

Monrovia is the fourth oldest general law city in LA County.
The Tongva settled in the area around 500 BC.
Monrovia was incorporated in 1887. Once incorporated,, they passed a law prohibiting the sale of alcohol.
The city was named after President James Monroe.
Monrovia is a popular filming location for Movies and TV.
- Never Been Kissed (1999)
- Not Another Teen Movie (2001)
- House Party (1990)
- Legally Blonde (2001)
- The Conjuring 2 (2016)
- Christine (1983)
- Dude Where’s My Car (2000)

Monrovia Climate

Mild, year-round Mediterranean climate:

80 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 temperatures between the 80s and 90s.

The coolest season is from mid-November all the way until mid-March. The average temperature in the cool time is between the 50s and mid-60s. The winters are also mild and wet.

Monrovia receives about 20 inches of rain per year and virtually 0 snow.

Monrovia, CA Points of Interest

Monrovia Friday Night Family Street Fair

Located at 700 S Myrtle Ave #708, Monrovia, CA 91016, the festival closes down three blocks every Friday night from 5 pm to 10 pm. The Fair has food trucks, produce, food stands, bounce houses, craft tables, clothing boutiques, a petting zoo, and other local businesses and residents selling their products.

Monrovia Historical Museum

Located at 742 E Lemon Ave, Monrovia, CA 91016, the museum is open Thursday through Sunday from 1 pm to 4 pm. It offers rotating exhibits focusing on different aspects of the history of Monrovia. One wing has special exhibits about the founding fathers, while another branch has Native American Treasures and fossils.

Historic Old Town Monrovia

Located at 119 W. Palm Ave, Monrovia, CA, 91016 Old Town has restaurants, cafes, boutiques, and many other local businesses. It’s perfect for tourists and families to walk through.

The Aztec Hotel

Located at 311 W Foothill Blvd, Monrovia, CA 91016,, the hotel is an example of Mayan Revival architecture that still exists today.

Monrovia Canyon Park

Located at 1200 N Canyon Blvd, Monrovia, CA 91016, Monrovia Canyon Park sits on 80 acres with trails that offer residents and tourists a chance to hike, bike, and watch wildlife. There is also a 30-ft waterfall, as well as a nature center.