Whittier is a city in Southern California located about 12 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles. According to the Wikipedia page, Whittier had a population of 86,295 people as of 2019, making it the 17th largest city in Los Angeles County.
Population and Demographics
The population of Whittier has grown steadily over the past several decades. In 1980, the population was 67,639. By 1990 it had grown to 83,680 and in 2000 it reached 85,331. The latest census estimate for 2019 put the population at 86,295 residents.
Whittier has a majority Hispanic or Latino population, making up about 65% of residents as of the 2010 census. The next largest ethnic group is non-Hispanic Whites at 25%. Smaller populations of Asian, Black and mixed race individuals make up the remainder.
The median age in Whittier is 32.7 years old. About 24% of the population is under age 18 and 13% is age 65 or older. There are slightly more female residents (51.5%) than male (48.5%).
The average household size in Whittier is 3.21 persons. About 59% of households are family households. There are approximately 26,049 housing units in the city, with an owner-occupancy rate around 45%.
Whittier has a relatively high population density compared to the county and state, with about 6,400 people per square mile based on the city’s total area of 13.46 square miles. The metro density for Los Angeles County is around 2,100 people per square mile by comparison.
Economy and Major Employers
Some of the major industries and employers in Whittier include:
- Education – Whittier College and Rio Hondo College provide jobs in higher education. The Whittier Union High School District and Whittier City School District employ teachers and staff for elementary through high schools.
- Health Care – PIH Health Hospital is the largest private employer in Whittier. Many residents also work in health care jobs throughout Los Angeles County.
- Retail – The city has several major shopping centers and districts that provide retail jobs, including the Whittwood Town Center and Quad at Whittier.
- Services – As a city with a population near 100,000, Whittier supports many jobs in professional services, food services, finance, real estate and other service industries.
- Government – The city of Whittier employs over 400 people across departments such as police, fire, parks and recreation, community services and administration.
For more details on employment and business in Whittier, visit the Economic Development page on the city’s website.
Parks and Landmarks
Some of the most notable parks and landmarks in Whittier include:
- Central Park – Whittier’s largest park at over 20 acres. It has athletic fields, playgrounds, picnic areas and a recreation center.
- Whittier Greenway Trail – A 4.5 mile paved trail running from Central Park to Parnell Park through the Puente Hills.
- Whittier Narrows Recreation Area – This 700 acre county park has lakes, nature areas, golf courses and historic sites.
- Fred C. Nelles Youth Correctional Facility – This former reform school operated from 1890-2004 and is now closed. Some of the historic buildings remain.
- Founders Memorial Park – A small park with statues honoring Whittier’s founding Quaker settlers.
The Whittier Tourist Attractions page on Tripadvisor lists additional parks, museums, historical sites and more.
Local Sports Teams
As part of Greater Los Angeles, Whittier does not have any major professional sports teams based in the city. However, residents are fans of teams like the Dodgers, Lakers, Rams, Galaxy and more.
At the high school level, Whittier’s local teams compete in CIF Southern Section athletics. The main teams are:
- California High School Condors – Part of the Whittier Union High School District. Team colors are green and gold.
- Santa Fe High School Chiefs – Also part of the Whittier Union High School District. Colors are red, blue and white.
- Whittier Christian High School Heralds – Private high school whose colors are purple and gold.
Visit the Whittier MaxPreps page to see upcoming games, team stats and more for local high school teams.
City Government and Services
Whittier has a Council-Manager form of municipal government. The City Council consists of 5 members elected at-large to 4-year terms. The Mayor is elected directly by voters. Council meetings are open to the public and held on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month.
Visit the City of Whittier website to learn about Whittier’s elected officials, city departments and services available to residents and businesses.
Some of the services provided by the city include:
- Police department
- Fire department
- Parks and recreation
- Public library system
- Public works department
- Planning and community development
- Social services
The Whittier Public Library system consists of the Whittwood Branch, Greenleaf Branch and Central Library. Visitors can check out books, movies, music, audiobooks, magazines and more. Computers are available with internet access.
Facebook and Social Media
The City of Whittier has an official Facebook page with over 15,000 followers. The page shares news, events, city updates and more. Follow the page at facebook.com/CityofWhittier.
The Visit Whittier Facebook page promotes local attractions, activities and businesses. Follow it at facebook.com/VisitWhittierCA.
Residents, businesses and community groups also maintain various Facebook groups for Whittier like Whittier Community News and Whittier Buy Sell Trade.