Westminister

by The Linguist

Westminster is a city in Orange County, California with a population of 92,610 as of 2019 according to Wikipedia. It is located in the heart of Orange County, nestled between other major cities like Garden Grove, Santa Ana, and Huntington Beach.

Population and Demographics

The population of Westminster was estimated to be 92,610 in 2019, making it the 8th largest city in Orange County. The population density is approximately 7,492 people per square mile. Westminster has grown rapidly in recent decades, more than doubling in population since 1980 when there were 35,864 residents.

Westminster has a diverse population, with a racial makeup of:

  • 38.7% Asian
  • 32.9% Hispanic or Latino
  • 21.2% White
  • 2.8% African American
  • 4.4% Other races

Over half of residents speak a language other than English at home. Some of the most commonly spoken languages besides English are Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, Korean, Tagalog, and Hindi.

History and Founding

Westminster was founded in 1870 by Reverend Lemuel Webber as a Presbyterian temperance colony. However, the name Westminster comes from the Westminster Confession of Faith, a Reformed confession of faith and set of doctrines. The city was officially incorporated in 1957 and had a population of just over 15,000 at that time.

Economy and Major Employers

Some of the major private employers in Westminster include:

Other major employers include retail outlets like Costco, Walmart, Target, and auto dealerships. Healthcare providers and schools are also large employers in the city.

Some of the major industries and sectors of Westminster’s economy include:

  • Technology and Aerospace
  • Healthcare
  • Finance and Insurance
  • Retail
  • Food Manufacturing
  • Automotive
  • Real Estate

The median household income in Westminster is $62,268, which is slightly higher than the national median. However, 13.5% of residents live below the poverty line.

Transportation

Westminster is conveniently located near several major highways and transportation links. Interstate 405 runs through the city, connecting it to other areas of Orange County and Los Angeles. State Route 39 and State Route 22 also intersect Westminster.

The city is served by bus routes operated by the Orange County Transportation Authority. There are also Amtrak and Metrolink commuter rail stations located in the city, providing service to Los Angeles, San Diego, and other communities.

John Wayne Airport is located just a few miles from Westminster in the city of Santa Ana. The airport provides domestic and international air service for Orange County and the greater Los Angeles metro area.

Education

Westminster is home to several public school districts that serve the community. The Westminster School District operates elementary and middle schools. Huntington Beach Union High School District runs the city’s high schools like Westminster High School, La Quinta High School, and Valley Vista High School.

Notable private schools in Westminster include St. Mark School, a Catholic K-8 school. The city is also home to Golden West College, a community college that is part of the California Community Colleges system.

Attractions and Landmarks

Some of the major attractions and landmarks in Westminster include:

  • Westminster Mall – Enclosed shopping mall with over 150 stores.
  • Asian World Museum – Museum dedicated to promoting the understanding and appreciation of Asian and Pacific Islander cultures, histories, and experiences.
  • Westminster Memorial Park – One of Orange County’s oldest and most prominent cemeteries.
  • Westminster Rose Center – Events venue and rose gardens.
  • Bowers Museum – Art museum with collections spanning ancient cultures and modern art. Located just outside Westminster in Santa Ana.
  • Little Saigon – Neighborhood known as the cultural heart of the Vietnamese American community.

Parks and Recreation

Westminster has over 50 public parks that offer a variety of recreational amenities to residents. Some of the notable parks include Satori Park, Sigler Park, City Park, Westminster Skate Park, and Westminster Dog Park.

The city also operates a number of community centers and facilities including the Westminster Community Services Center, Westminster Senior Center, and Westminster Rose Center.

Popular recreation activities include swimming, soccer, baseball, softball, and volleyball offered through the city’s sports programs. There are also after-school enrichment programs, fitness classes, and activities for seniors.

Local Government

Westminster operates under a council-manager form of government. The city is governed by a five-member City Council who appoint a professional City Manager to handle day-to-day administration. The current Westminster City Council members are:

  • Mayor Tri Ta
  • Mayor Pro Tem Kimberly Ho
  • Council Member Chi Charlie Nguyen
  • Council Member Carlos Manzo
  • Council Member Danny Nguyen

Residents of Westminster can engage with their local government by attending City Council meetings, contacting council members, and voting in municipal elections.

Visit the City of Westminster’s website to learn more about city government departments, services, programs, and community news.

Facebook

The city maintains an active Facebook page to connect with residents. Follow their page to see updates on local events, programs, services, and more.

Sports

While there are no major professional sports teams based in Westminster, residents are fans of nearby teams like the Los Angeles Angels, Anaheim Ducks, LA Clippers, LA Rams, LA Chargers, and LA Galaxy.

The Silverado High School football team is a source of local pride and spirit in Westminster.

Overall

Westminster is a thriving and diverse Orange County city with a strong economy, excellent schools, vibrant culture, and engaged community. The city offers residents a high quality of life with convenient amenities, attractive neighborhoods, and a family-friendly atmosphere.