As of the census of 2000, there were 44,605 people, 13,478 households, and 10,782 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,263.5/km² (3,273.3/mi²). There were 14,858 housing units at an average density of 420.9/km² (1,090.3/mi²). The racial makeup of the city was 56.25% White, 12.11% African American, 1.30% Native American, 6.14% Asian, 0.34% Pacific Islander, 18.62% from other races, and 5.23% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 36.64% of the population.
There were 13,478 households out of which 47.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.1% were married couples living together, 19.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 20.0% were non-families. 15.4% of all households were made up of individuals and 4.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.29 and the average family size was 3.64.
In the city the population was spread out with 35.6% under the age of 18, 9.0% from 18 to 24, 30.0% from 25 to 44, 19.0% from 45 to 64, and 6.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 29 years. For every 100 females there were 95.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.9 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $41,230, and the median income for a family was $43,649. Males had a median income of $38,695 versus $27,308 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,039. About 17.5% of families and 21.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 29.2% of those under age 18 and 10.9% of those age 65 or over.
The city is split east to west of Boulder Ave. with the higher income area to the east and lower income area to the west. Demographics such as income levels and housing density are also split evenly by the geographic divider of Boulder Ave. Much of West Highland mirrors its sister city San Bernardino as East Highland is relatively new and only developed within the past fifteen years.