Whittier, CA
Population 85,925 · California
About Whittier, CA
Whittier is a mid-sized city located in California with a population of 85,925 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $92,374 per year, which is 23% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38.3 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Whittier features a median home value of $751,700, which is 207% above the national median of $244,900. This places Whittier in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,829, 57% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 29,185 total housing units, 59% are owner-occupied (16,200 units) and 41% are renter-occupied (11,487 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Whittier shows an unemployment rate of 5.4%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 8.8%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Whittier have an average one-way commute time of 33.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
29.2% of Whittier residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 54.4% White, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, and 11.3% Asian residents, with 17.3% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Whittier, CA
Compared to national averages, Whittier has a median household income of $92,374 (23% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $751,700, which is 207% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,829 is 57% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Whittier's income is 6% below the state average of $97,829, and home values are 15% above the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Whittier, CA?
Whittier offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $92,374, well above the national average, and a low poverty rate of 8.8%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $751,700. However, as a mid-sized city, Whittier provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Whittier has a population of 85,925 with a median age of 38.3 years. Compare Whittier with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Whittier
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hawthorne | 85,933 | $72,719 | $813,700 | Compare |
| Livermore | 85,870 | $153,602 | $1,038,600 | Compare |
| Lake Forest | 85,846 | $131,378 | $876,300 | Compare |
| San Ramon | 85,734 | $197,358 | $1,359,100 | Compare |
| Manteca | 86,521 | $94,718 | $561,200 | Compare |
| Citrus Heights | 87,036 | $77,167 | $432,100 | Compare |
| Newport Beach | 84,304 | $158,461 | $2,000,001 | Compare |
| Santa Barbara | 88,024 | $101,672 | $1,466,400 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in California
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Whittier With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Whittier
What is the population of Whittier, CA?
The population of Whittier, CA is 85,925 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in California.
What is the median household income in Whittier?
The median household income in Whittier, CA is $92,374 per year, which is 23% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Whittier?
The median home value in Whittier, CA is $751,700, which is 207% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Whittier?
The median monthly rent in Whittier, CA is $1,829, which is 57% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Whittier?
The unemployment rate in Whittier, CA is 5.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Whittier, CA a good place to live?
Whittier offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 85,925 and a median age of 38.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Whittier, CA?
29.2% of residents in Whittier aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Whittier?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Whittier, CA: median home value is $751,700 (207% above national), median rent is $1,829/month, and median household income is $92,374. The home-value-to-income ratio is 8.1x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Whittier?
The poverty rate in Whittier, CA is 8.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Whittier, CA?
Whittier's population is 54.4% White, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, 11.3% Asian, and 1.0% two or more races. 17.3% of residents are foreign-born.