Alhambra
cityAlhambra, California, located in the western San Gabriel Valley of Los Angeles County, is approximately 8 miles east of downtown Los Angeles. As of 2020, the city had a population of 82,868. Known as the "Gateway to the San Gabriel Valley" and once promoted as a "city of homes", Alhambra offers a mix of residential charm and commercial activity. Alhambra's economy is diverse, with major employment sectors including healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The city's main business district, centered at Main and Garfield, has been a commercial hub since 1895, offering a variety of dining, retail, and entertainment options. The city has a strong automotive industry, with many car dealerships located on Main Street. Alhambra's history is rich, dating back to the Spanish conquest and occupation of Alta California. The city was named after Washington Irving's "Tales of the Alhambra". Alhambra has experienced waves of immigration, contributing to its diverse cultural landscape. The city is known for its historical homes featuring architectural styles such as Craftsman, Bungalow, and Spanish Colonial Revival.
Alhambra, California
- Classification
- City
- Country
- United States
- County
- Los Angeles County
- Region
- San Gabriel Valley
- Elevation
- 490 ft
- Total Area
- 7.63 sq mi
- Land Area
- 7.63 sq mi
- Water Area
- 0 sq mi
- Latitude
- 34.08194
- Longitude
- -118.135
- Climate
- The climate is generally a mix of semi-arid and a hot-summer Mediterranean climate with rainfall mostly in the wintertime.
- Neighboring Areas
- South Pasadena · San Marino · San Gabriel · Monterey Park · Monterey Hills · El Sereno
- Population (2020)
- 82,868
- Est. Population (2026)
- 79,093
- Median Age
- 41.5
- Median Income
- $88,024
- Poverty Rate
- 12.62%
- Owner-Occupied
- 41.1%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- The racial composition of Alhambra includes 50.95% Asian, 18.66% Other Race, 13.21% White, and smaller percentages for Black or African American, Native American, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander and multiracial populations.
- Government Type
- City Council
- Governing Body
- City Council
- Body Size
- 5 members
- School District
- Alhambra Unified School District
- Municipal Services
- Police · Fire · Public Works · Parks & Recreation · Library


















































- Unemployment Rate
- 4.7%
- Economic Profile
- Residential/suburban · Commercial growth
- Employment Sectors
- Health Care & Social Assistance · Educational Services · Manufacturing
- Major Employers
- LA County Department of Public Works · AHMC Healthcare Inc. · LA County Development Authority · East LA Regional Center · Alhambra Unified School District · City of Alhambra · Home Depot · Southern California Edison Company · Costco · EMCORE Corporation · Target
- Schools
- 19
- Students
- 16,200
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 23:1
- School Districts
- Alhambra Unified School District
- Colleges & Universities
- California State University, Los Angeles · East Los Angeles College · Pasadena City College · California Institute of Technology
- Transportation
- Interstates 10 and 710 · Public transit
- Utilities
- Municipal water · Fiber/broadband
- Major Facilities
- Hospital
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Almansor Park · Granada Park · Alhambra Park
- Parks & Trails
- Almansor Park · Granada Park · Alhambra Park · Story Park · Emery Park · Burke Heritage Park
- Incorporated
- 1903
- Named After
- Tales of the Alhambra by Washington Irving
- Historical Significance
- Alhambra played a significant role in the development of the San Gabriel Valley, evolving from a rural area to a thriving suburban city with a diverse cultural heritage.
- Key Events
- San Gabriel Mission founded nearby in 1771 · Benjamin Davis Wilson acquired land in the area in the mid-19th century · City incorporated on July 11, 1903 · Experienced waves of new immigrants - Italians in the 1950s, Mexicans in the 1960s and Asians in the 1980s
