Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Whittier, CA
Considering a move to Whittier, CA? With a population of 85,313, Whittier offers a warm, sunny climate (77% sunny days) and a vibrant, diverse community. The median home price is $755,000, with rents averaging $2,220, reflecting Southern California’s higher living costs. Residents enjoy strong local schools, short commutes averaging 33 minutes, and access to major hospitals. While property crime is moderate at 2,062 per 100K, Whittier’s friendly neighborhoods, access to higher education, and family-friendly atmosphere make it a standout choice for your next home.
Demographics - Whittier, CA
Demographics - Whittier, CA
Whittier is home to 85,313 residents, featuring a diverse community where over a third speak languages other than English and the median age is 36.8 years. The city has a balanced gender ratio and a population density of 6,100 people per square mile, with a rich mix of cultural backgrounds contributing to its vibrant atmosphere.
Population:
85,313
Density:
6,100 per sq mi
Median Age:
36.8
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
38.7%

Ethnic Composition
White:
22.2%
Black:
1.4%
Asian:
6.3%
Others:
70.1%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Whittier, CA?
Living in Whittier means higher-than-average expenses, with a median home value of $755,000 and average rents of $2,220 per month. The cost of living index is 153.4, reflecting elevated housing and transportation costs typical of Southern California, while utilities and groceries remain closer to national averages.
Median House Value:
$755,000
Gross Rent:
$2,220
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,940
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$3,030
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$700
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
153.4
Grocery:
111.2
Housing:
199.1
Utilities:
102.7
Transportation:
136.4
Health Care:
112.4
Miscellaneous:
110.3
Crime
Is Whittier, CA a safe place to live?
Whittier experiences moderate property crime, with a rate of 2,062 incidents per 100,000 residents and a 1 in 49 chance of being affected, while violent crime is relatively low at 238 per 100,000. The city maintains a generally safe environment, but residents should remain vigilant, especially regarding property security.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
238
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,062
Crime Index:
2,300
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 420
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 49
Weather
What is the weather like in Whittier, CA year-round?
Whittier offers a mild Mediterranean climate with warm, sunny weather dominating most of the year—77% of days are sunny. Winters are comfortable, with lows around 47°F, while summers reach highs near 89°F, and the city receives about 15.8 inches of rainfall annually.

Winter
Min:
47°F
Max:
68°F

Spring
Min:
52°F
Max:
75°F

Summer
Min:
65°F
Max:
89°F

Fall
Min:
56°F
Max:
81°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
15.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
77%
Neighbors
Residents of Whittier enjoy a median household income of $85,800 and a family income of $92,200, with about 11.6% living below the poverty line. Commute times average nearly 33 minutes, and the area is characterized by an educated, multicultural population, with 83.9% holding at least a high school diploma.
Median Income:
$36,800
Household Income:
$85,800
Family Income:
$92,200
Per Capita Income:
$32,200
Income Male:
$44,100
Income Female:
$39,300
Poverty Rate:
11.6%
Non English Speakers:
41.2%
Rent:
$2,220
Unemployment Rate:
5.2%
Public Transport Usage:
2.7%
Commute Time:
32.9 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
83.9%
Bachelors or More:
25.7%
Education
How are the schools in Whittier, CA?
Whittier offers robust educational opportunities, featuring public schools like La Serna and Whittier High, as well as private options and higher education at Whittier College and Rio Hondo College. Class sizes average around 23–24 students per teacher, supporting a strong academic environment for families.

Public Schools
Name:
La Serna High School
Street:
15301 Youngwood Dr
Phone:
562-698-8121
Students:
2,600
Student Teacher Ratio:
24:1
Name:
Whittier High School
Street:
12417 Philadelphia St
Phone:
562-698-8121
Students:
1,800
Student Teacher Ratio:
23:1

Private Schools
Name:
Whittier Christian High School
Street:
501 N Beach Blvd
Phone:
562-694-3803
Students:
420

Colleges
Name:
Whittier College
City:
Whittier
State:
CA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
1,200
Name:
Rio Hondo College
City:
Whittier
State:
CA
Distance:
3 miles
Students:
19,000
Healthcare
Whittier provides excellent healthcare access through major hospitals like PIH Health Whittier Hospital and Whittier Hospital Medical Center, both offering emergency services. The city boasts 2.3 physicians per 1,000 residents and a high health insurance coverage rate of 89.4%, supporting strong community health.

Major Hospitals
Name:
PIH Health Whittier Hospital
Address:
12401 Washington Blvd, Whittier, CA 90602
Phone:
(562) 698-0811
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Whittier Hospital Medical Center
Address:
9080 Colima Rd, Whittier, CA 90605
Phone:
(562) 945-3561
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.4%
Health Care Index:
67.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Whittier, CA?
The Whittier housing market features a median home price of $755,000 and an average two-bedroom rent of $2,220, reflecting strong demand and steady appreciation of 5.1% over the past year. Owner occupancy is solid at 58.1%, with low vacancy and foreclosure rates, making it a stable market for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$755,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,220
Owner Occupied Rate:
58.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Whittier residents can access DMV services locally at 9338 S. Painter Avenue, provided by the California Department of Motor Vehicles. The office offers vehicle registration, licensing, and other essential services, with more information available on the state DMV website.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
9338 S. Painter Avenue, Whittier, CA 90605
Phone:
1-800-777-0133
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.