Norwalk is a city in Los Angeles County, California, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population of Norwalk was 103,298 making it the 68th largest city in California. Norwalk was founded in the late 19th century along the former road between the cities of Los Angeles and Santa Ana. It is located 17 miles (27 km) southeast of downtown Los Angeles and is part of the Greater Los Angeles metro area.
Population and Demographics
According to the 2020 census, Norwalk had a population of 103,298 people. The racial makeup of the city was 46.1% White, 4.2% African American, 1.2% Native American, 21.1% Asian, 0.4% Pacific Islander, 23.4% from other races, and 3.7% from two or more races. Hispanics or Latinos of any race made up 58.9% of the population.
The census reported that 102,927 people (99.6% of the population) lived in households and 341 (0.3%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters. There were 30,045 households, of which 43.4% had children under the age of 18 living in them.
In the city, the population was spread out with 28.1% under the age of 18, 10.7% aged 18 to 24, 34.3% aged 25 to 44, 18.6% aged 45 to 64, and 8.3% aged 65 or older. The median age was 32.2 years.
Economy and Major Employers
Norwalk has a diverse economy with major industries including manufacturing, construction, wholesale trade, retail, healthcare, education, and social services. Some of the top employers in Norwalk include:
- Cerritos College – over 4,000 employees
- Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services – over 1,000 employees
- Metro International Trade Services – over 800 employees
- Little Lake City School District – over 600 employees
- Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District – over 600 employees
Additional major companies with facilities in Norwalk include Edwards Lifesciences, Costco Wholesale, Mobil Oil Corporation, MTC Engineering and Environmental Services, and Architecture Design Collaborative.
According to the Norwalk Chamber of Commerce, the top industries in the city are:
- Healthcare
- Retail Trade
- Educational Services
- Construction
- Professional Services
In 2019, the median household income in Norwalk was $71,647. Approximately 15.9% of the population was below the poverty line.
Local Sites and Attractions
Norwalk has several notable attractions and community sites for visitors and residents including:
Norwalk City Hall
The Norwalk City Hall building was built in 1926 and was designated a Historical Landmark in 1982. It houses the city government offices and chambers.
Norwalk Grammar School
The historic Norwalk Grammar School built in 1906 now serves as a museum and community center.
Norwalk Arts and Sports Complex
This large complex includes soccer fields, softball diamonds, swimming pools, a gymnasium, and more. It hosts classes, sports leagues, and city events.
Heritage Park
A public 8-acre park with picnic areas, walking paths, and historic displays about early Norwalk.
Metrolink Station
The Norwalk/Santa Fe Springs station provides access to commuter rail services to Los Angeles and other areas in the region.
Sports Teams
A few of the local sports teams representing Norwalk include:
Norwalk High School Lancers
Norwalk High School’s athletic teams are known as the Lancers. They compete in the Suburban League of the CIF Southern Section. Sports include football, basketball, baseball, softball, soccer, and more.
Cerritos College Falcons
Cerritos College’s athletic teams compete in the South Coast Conference as members of the California Community College Athletic Association. Men’s sports include football, basketball, baseball, cross country, soccer, swimming, track & field, volleyball, and water polo. Women’s sports include basketball, cross country, soccer, softball, swimming, track & field, volleyball, and water polo.
Facebook and Social Media
Norwalk has an official city Facebook page to communicate news, events, job openings, resources and more to residents. The city also shares information on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and Nextdoor.