Whittier, CA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
86,165
0.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$97,201/yr
5.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
29,734
1.9% year-over-year change

Whittier population

How many people live in Whittier

Whittier is home to 86,165 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.3% of Whittier locals are male, and 51.7% are female.

Total population
86,165
0.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.3%
41,634
Female
51.7%
44,531
Value Percent YoY change
Male 41,634 48.3% 0.3%
Female 44,531 51.7% 0.3%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Whittier is 38, with the population distributed as follows: about 18.6% are children under 15, then 13.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 27.3% of the population, while another 25.5% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 15% are 65 or older.

Median age
38.4
Age breakdown
Under 15
18.6%
15 to 24
13.6%
25 to 44
27.3%
45 to 64
25.5%
Over 65
15%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 16,071 18.6% -0.9%
15 to 24 11,689 13.6% -0.4%
25 to 44 23,514 27.3% -0.2%
45 to 64 21,988 25.5% 0.6%
Over 65 12,903 15% 2.8%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Whittier, 81.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 12.7% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 6% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 31% of locals are Caucasian, 1.3% are African American and 5.4% have Asian roots. Another 2.3% are Indigenous American, 0.2% are Pacific Islanders, while 38.4% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 21.3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
81.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
12.7%
Non-citizens
6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 70,105 81.4% -0.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 10,915 12.7% 1.3%
Non-citizens 5,145 6% 3.2%
Racial breakdown
White
31%
Black or African American
1.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native
2.3%
Asian
5.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.2%
Two or more races
21.3%
Other
38.4%
Value Percent
White 26,751 31%
Black or African American 1,121 1.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 1,985 2.3%
Asian 4,644 5.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 207 0.2%
Two or more races 18,391 21.3%
Other 33,066 38.4%

Households in Whittier

A peek inside Whittier households

Whittier has 28,099 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 73.1% are families, while the remaining 26.9% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
28,099
1.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
7,560
Family households
20,539
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 7,560 26.9% 1.2%
Family households 20,539 73.1% 1.6%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Whittier

The housing landscape of Whittier

Whittier's housing consists of 29,734 units, with 64.1% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 6.3% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 0.8% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
29,734
1.9% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 19,057 64.1%
1 unit, attached 1,883 6.3%
2 units 556 1.9%
3 or 4 units 1,642 5.5%
5 to 9 units 2,330 7.8%
10 to 19 units 1,619 5.4%
20 to 49 units 1,369 4.6%
50 or more units 999 3.4%
Mobile home 228 0.8%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 51 0.2%
Homes built since 2020
426
21.7% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Whittier

In Whittier, the median construction year is 1956. About 14% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 15.5% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 1.8% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 1.3% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 4,152 14% 11.1%
Built between 1940 and 1949 4,622 15.5% 1.1%
Built between 1950 and 1959 11,067 37.2% -1.5%
Built between 1960 and 1969 3,998 13.4% 5.7%
Built between 1970 and 1979 2,470 8.3% -5.3%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,292 4.4% -0.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 806 2.7% -4.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 527 1.8% 9.1%
Built between 2010 and 2019 374 1.3% 39.0%
Built in 2020 or later 426 1.4% 21.7%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Whittier occupancy rates

Out of the 28,099 occupied housing units in Whittier, 57.9% are owner-occupied, while 42.1% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 5.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
28,099
1.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
11,842
Owner occupied
16,257
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 11,842 42.1% 3.1%
Owner occupied 16,257 57.9% 0.3%
Unoccupied housing units
5.5%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Whittier housing costs

Housing costs in Whittier come to a median of $2,063 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,906.

Median housing costs per month
$2,063/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Whittier
$1,906/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Whittier

Whittier education at a glance

About 33.3% of the population in Whittier went to high school, while 25.1% pursued college studies. Another 9.3% earned an associate degree and 17.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 9.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 3,338 5% 8.0%
High school diploma 22,185 33.3% -3.6%
College diploma 16,700 25.1% 2.4%
Associate degree 6,188 9.3% 2.4%
Bachelor's degree 11,723 17.6% 1.7%
Graduate degree 6,499 9.8% 3.9%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Whittier

How much people earn in Whittier

The average annual household income in Whittier was $125,118 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +5.1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $97,201, reflecting a +5.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Whittier
$125,118/year
5.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in Whittier
$97,201/year
5.2% year-over-year change

Whittier income by age

In Whittier, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $101,364. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $118,403 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $40,304, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $65,779 in earnings. Overall, 91% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $40,304 4.9%
25 - 44 $101,364 7.2%
45 - 64 $118,403 1.0%
Over 65 $65,779 16.0%
Above poverty level
76,169
Below poverty level
7,556
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 76,169 91% 0.1%
Below poverty level 7,556 9% 2.1%

Average renter income in Whittier

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Whittier, their median household income was $61,277 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 37.3%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$61,277
Rent-to-income ratio
37.3%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Whittier

Workforce and job types in Whittier

The job market in Whittier is powered by 40,620 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 78.7% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 21.3% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.5% run their own businesses, 64.8% are employed by private companies, and 19.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
40,620
0.2% year-over-year change
White collar
31,953
Blue collar
8,667
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 31,953 78.7% 1.0%
Blue collar 8,667 21.3% -2.7%
Employer type
Self employees
7.5%
Private companies
64.8%
Governmental workers
19.2%
Not for profit companies
8.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 3,059 7.5% 1.8%
Private companies 26,331 64.8% -1.2%
Governmental workers 7,801 19.2% 4.5%
Not for profit companies 3,429 8.4% -0.1%
Unemployment rate
5.4%
0.5% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Whittier stands at 5.4%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Whittier

How people get around in Whittier

In Whittier, the average commute time is 33 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 83.5% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.6% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
33 min
0.0% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 33,203 83.5% -1.0%
Taxicab 51 0.1% -40.7%
Bus or trolleybus 482 1.2% -21.4%
Subway or elevated 10 0% N/A
Railroad 43 0.1% 19.4%
Motorcycle 121 0.3% 80.6%
Bicycle 264 0.7% -1.9%
Walk 641 1.6% 5.6%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Whittier by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
90601 30,078 10,867 $104,052 $127,392
90602 25,905 8,163 $68,505 $98,330
90603 21,118 6,504 $136,705 $156,862
90605 39,387 10,883 $99,635 $120,841
90606 32,057 8,801 $100,428 $118,337

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FAQs about Whittier demographics 

What is the total population of Whittier?

Whittier has a total population of 86,165 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +0.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Whittier?

The gender ratio in Whittier is as follows:
  • 48.3% males (41,634 residents)
  • 51.7% females (44,531 residents)

What is the median age in Whittier?

The median age in Whittier is 38.4.

What is the age distribution of the population in Whittier?

The age distribution in Whittier is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18.6% (16,071 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 13.6% (11,689 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 27.3% (23,514 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25.5% (21,988 residents)
  • Over 65: 15% (12,903 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Whittier?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Whittier is as follows:
  • White: 31% (26,751 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1.3% (1,121 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 2.3% (1,985 residents)
  • Asian: 5.4% (4,644 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.2% (207 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 21.3% (18,391 residents)
  • Other: 38.4% (33,066 residents)

What percentage of the population in Whittier are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 81.4% of the population in Whittier.

How many housing units are there in Whittier?

There are 29,734 housing units in Whittier, reflecting a +1.9% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Whittier and what is the average household size?

Whittier has a total of 28,099 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Whittier?

Whittier has a median household income of $97,201, representing a +5.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Whittier?

The employment rate is 94.6% in Whittier, with a workforce of 40,620 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 78.7% (31,953 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 21.3% (8,667 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.5% (3,059 residents)
  • Private companies: 64.8% (26,331 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 19.2% (7,801 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8.4% (3,429 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025