In 2003, voters were asked to decide whether the community should incorporate and become a city. Proponents argued that a new city would be able to better control development and provide increased police and fire service, while opponents argued that the new city would increase taxes and redevelop residential neighborhoods for revenue-generating businesses. Most of the prime commercial land had already been annexed by the City of Industry to escape taxes levied by the County on unincorporated areas. Ultimately the measure failed by about a 2-1 margin.
2000 53,122 1990 52,354 1980 49,422 1970 35,969
As of the census of 2000, there were 53,122 people, 15,993 households, and 13,418 families residing in the community. The population density was 1,802.3/km² (4,668.8/mi²). There were 16,358 housing units at an average density of 555.0/km² (1,437.7/mi²). The racial makeup of the community was 41.03% White, 1.55% African American, 0.72% Native American, 36.09% Asian, 0.12% Pacific Islander, 16.60% from other races, and 3.88% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 38.25% of the population.
There were 15,993 households out of which 37.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 65.8% were married couples living together, 12.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 16.1% were non-families. 12.6% of all households were made up of individuals and 5.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.32 and the average family size was 3.58.
The population is spread out with 25.3% under the age of 18, 9.3% from 18 to 24, 27.9% from 25 to 44, 25.6% from 45 to 64, and 11.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females there were 95.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.1 males.
The median income for a household in the community is $41,485, and the median income for a family is $44,827. Males have a median income of $24,238 versus $18,563 for females. The per capita income for the community is $21,893. 9.3% of the population and 7.3% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 10.1% of those under the age of 18 and 10.1% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.
As of May 2008, the Zindex for Hacienda Heights was $532,000, a 11.2% decrease from May 2007. The community consists of: 1) Affluent Immigrants - High-income immigrants living in suburban areas. Ranging in age from mid-30s to early 60s, these highly educated immigrants earn high salaries. A high proportion are homeowners. 2) Stretching Couples - High-income, high- expense suburban couples. These married couples without children earn handsome salaries, but have significantly higher mortgages than the national average. Most own their homes, and some have a college education. 3) Frugal Families - Lower-income families living in the suburbs. Middle-income married couples with children, ranging in age from upper 30s to upper 50s. Some are high school graduates, while others have completed college. Occupations vary.