El Monte, California facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
El Monte, California
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| Nickname(s):
"The End of the Santa Fe Trail"
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Location of El Monte in Los Angeles County, California
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 El Monte, California
Location in the Los Angeles metropolitan area
El Monte, California
Location in California
El Monte, California
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States | ||
| State | California | ||
| County | Los Angeles | ||
| Incorporated | November 18, 1912 | ||
| Government | |||
| • Type | Council-Manager | ||
| Area | |||
| • Total | 9.65 sq mi (24.99 km2) | ||
| • Land | 9.56 sq mi (24.77 km2) | ||
| • Water | 0.09 sq mi (0.22 km2) 0.89% | ||
| Elevation | 299 ft (91 m) | ||
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 109,450 | ||
| • Rank | 12th in Los Angeles County 66th in California |
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| • Density | 11,341.97/sq mi (4,379.75/km2) | ||
| Time zone | UTC−8 (Pacific) | ||
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−7 (PDT) | ||
| ZIP Codes |
91731–91735
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| Area code(s) | 626 | ||
| FIPS code | 06-22230 | ||
| GNIS feature IDs | 1652702, 2410413 | ||
El Monte is a city in Los Angeles County, California, United States. The city lies in the San Gabriel Valley, east of the city of Los Angeles.
El Monte's slogan is "Welcome to Friendly El Monte" and is historically known as "The End of the Santa Fe Trail". As of the 2020 census, the city had a total population of 109,450, down from 113,475 at the 2010 census. As of 2020, El Monte was the 66th-most populous city in California.
Contents
Origin of name
El Monte is situated between the San Gabriel and Rio Hondo Rivers; residents claimed that anything could be grown in the area. Between 1770 and 1830, Spanish soldiers and missionaries often stopped here for respite. They called the area 'El Monte,' which in Spanish means 'the mountain'. Most people assume the name refers to a mountain, but there were no mountains in the valley. The word is an archaic Spanish translation of that era: meaning "the wood". The first explorers had found this rich, low-altitude land, blanketed with thick growths of wispy willows, alders, and cattails, located between the two rivers. They also found wild grapevines and watercress. El Monte is approximately 7 miles long and 4 miles wide. When the State Legislature organized California into more manageable designated townships in the 1850s, they called it the El Monte Township. In a short time the name returned to the original El Monte.
History
The area, beside the San Gabriel River, was part of the homeland of the Tongva people for thousands of years. The Spanish Portolá expedition of missionaries and soldiers passed through the area in 1769-1770. The site was within the Spanish land grant Rancho La Puente. Mission San Gabriel Arcángel was the center of colonial activities in the area.
19th century
Using the Old Spanish Trail route at the end of 1841, a group of travelers and settlers, now referred to as the Workman-Rowland Party, arrived in the Pueblo of Los Angeles and this area in Alta California from Santa Fe de Nuevo México.
The Old Spanish Trail from Santa Fe was continued east via the Santa Fe Trail trade route, established in 1821 as a trail and wagon road connecting Kansas City in Missouri Territory to Santa Fe, still within México.
From 1847, The Santa Fe Trail was also connected westward through the Southern Emigrant Trail, passing by the El Monte area, to the Pueblo of Los Angeles. Immigrant settlement began in 1849, El Monte was a stopping place for the American immigrants going to the gold fields during the California Gold Rush. The first permanent residents arrived in El Monte around 1849-1850 mostly from Texas, Arkansas and Missouri, during a time when thousands migrated to California in search of gold. The first settlers with families were Nicholas Schmidt, Ira W. Thompson, G. and F. Cuddeback, J. Corbin, and J. Sheldon.
These migrants ventured upon the bounty of fruitful, rich land along the San Gabriel River and began to build homesteads there. The farmers were very pleased at the increasing success of El Monte's agricultural community, and it steadily grew over the years.
In the 1850s the settlement was briefly named Lexington by American settlers, but soon returned to being called El Monte or Monte. It was at the crossroad of routes between Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and the natural harbor at San Pedro. In the early days, it had a reputation as a rough town where men often settled disputes with knives and guns in its gambling saloons. Defense against Indian raids and the crimes of bandit gangs, such as that of Juan Flores and Pancho Daniel, led to the formation of a local militia company called the Monte Rangers in February 1854.
In 1858 the adobe Monte Station was established, a stagecoach stop on the Butterfield Overland Mail Section 2 route.
By 1861 El Monte had become a sizeable settlement, and during the American Civil War was considered a Confederate stronghold sympathetic to the secession of Southern California from California to support the Confederate States of America. A. J. King an Undersheriff of Los Angeles County (and former member of the earlier "Monte Rangers" or "Monte Boys") with other influential men in El Monte, formed a secessionist militia company, like the Los Angeles Mounted Rifles, called the Monte Mounted Rifles on March 23, 1861. However the attempt failed when following the battle of Fort Sumter, A. J. King marched through the streets with a portrait of the Confederate General P. G. T. Beauregard and was arrested by a U.S. Marshal. State arms sent from Governor John G. Downey for the unit were held up by Union officers at the port of San Pedro. Union troops established New Camp Carleton near the town in March 1862 to suppress any rebellion, it was shut down three years later at the end of the war.
Southern Pacific built a railroad depot in town in 1873, stimulating the growth of local agriculture.
20th century
El Monte was incorporated as a municipality in 1912. During the 1930s, the city became a vital site for the New Deal's federal Subsistence Homestead project, a Resettlement Administration program that helped grant single-family ranch houses to qualifying applicants. It became home to many 1930s white immigrants from the Dust Bowl Migration. Famous photographer Dorothea Lange took many pictures of the houses for her work for the Farm Security Administration. The area also experienced social and labor conflict during this period, as the El Monte Berry Strike of 1933 shed light upon institutional racism experienced by Japanese tenant farmers and Latino farm laborers.
The city has evolved into a majority Hispanic community. Representing the historical significance of the Santa Fe Trail, El Monte built the Santa Fe Trail Historical Park in 1989, at Valley Blvd and Santa Anita Ave. The trail remained America's greatest route for several decades thereafter. The El Monte Historical Museum at 3150 Tyler Avenue is considered to be one of the best community museums in the state of California.
21st century
By 2008 there had been an influx of Asians into El Monte. Bang Tran, a resident of Monrovia and a former El Monte resident quoted in the Los Angeles Times, stated that year that there was overpopulation in Alhambra, Monterey Park, and other nearby heavily Asian municipalities; this is why Asians began moving to El Monte.
Geography
El Monte is located at 34°4′24″N 118°1′39″W / 34.07333°N 118.02750°W (34.073276, -118.027491). According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 9.6 square miles (25 km2), of which, 9.6 square miles (25 km2) of it is land and 0.1 square miles (0.26 km2) of it (0.89%) is water.
Climate
El Monte has a Mediterranean climate (Köppen climate classification Csa).
| Climate data for El Monte, California | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Mean daily maximum °F (°C) | 67 (19) |
68 (20) |
70 (21) |
73 (23) |
76 (24) |
80 (27) |
85 (29) |
87 (31) |
85 (29) |
79 (26) |
73 (23) |
67 (19) |
76 (24) |
| Mean daily minimum °F (°C) | 45 (7) |
47 (8) |
50 (10) |
53 (12) |
57 (14) |
61 (16) |
65 (18) |
65 (18) |
63 (17) |
57 (14) |
49 (9) |
44 (7) |
55 (13) |
| Average precipitation inches (mm) | 3.68 (93) |
4.66 (118) |
3.00 (76) |
1.10 (28) |
.38 (9.7) |
.15 (3.8) |
.04 (1.0) |
.07 (1.8) |
.33 (8.4) |
.78 (20) |
1.45 (37) |
2.42 (61) |
18.06 (459) |
Demographics
| Historical population | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1920 | 1,283 | — | |
| 1930 | 3,479 | 171.2% | |
| 1940 | 4,746 | 36.4% | |
| 1950 | 8,101 | 70.7% | |
| 1960 | 13,163 | 62.5% | |
| 1970 | 69,892 | 431.0% | |
| 1980 | 79,494 | 13.7% | |
| 1990 | 106,209 | 33.6% | |
| 2000 | 115,965 | 9.2% | |
| 2010 | 113,475 | −2.1% | |
| 2020 | 109,450 | −3.5% | |
| 2021 (est.) | 106,907 | −5.8% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
The population has increased by more than 40% since the 1970s, with homes replacing the walnut groves for which the city was known. There is historically a large Mexican and Latino community in El Monte.
2020
| Race / Ethnicity (NH = Non-Hispanic) | Pop 2000 | Pop 2010 | Pop 2020 | % 2000 | % 2010 | % 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| White alone (NH) | 8,542 | 5,556 | 3,667 | 7.37% | 4.90% | 3.35% |
| Black or African American alone (NH) | 640 | 502 | 745 | 0.55% | 0.44% | 0.68% |
| Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH) | 331 | 133 | 146 | 0.29% | 0.12% | 0.13% |
| Asian alone (NH) | 21,315 | 28,264 | 32,940 | 18.38% | 24.91% | 30.10% |
| Pacific Islander alone (NH) | 90 | 84 | 34 | 0.08% | 0.07% | 0.03% |
| Other Race alone (NH) | 107 | 116 | 356 | 0.09% | 0.10% | 0.33% |
| Mixed race or Multiracial (NH) | 995 | 503 | 743 | 0.86% | 0.44% | 0.68% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 83,945 | 78,317 | 70,819 | 72.39% | 69.02% | 64.70% |
| Total | 115,965 | 113,475 | 109,450 | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% |
2010
The 2010 United States Census reported that El Monte had a population of 113,475. The population density was 11,761.6 people per square mile (4,541.2/km2). The racial makeup of El Monte was 44,058 (38.8%) White (4.9% Non-Hispanic White), 870 (0.8%) African American, 1,083 (1.0%) Native American, 28,503 (25.1%) Asian (13.5% Chinese, 7.4% Vietnamese, 1.2% Filipino, 0.4% Cambodian, 0.2% Burmese, 0.2% Japanese, 0.2% Korean, 0.2% Indian, 0.2% Thai), 131 (0.1%) Pacific Islander, 35,205 (31.0%) from other races, and 3,625 (3.2%) from two or more races. 78,317 (69.0%) of the population is Hispanic or Latino of any race (60.9% Mexican, 2.3% Salvadoran, 1.2% Guatemalan, 0.4% Nicaraguan, 0.3% Honduran, 0.3% Cuban, 0.2% Puerto Rican, and 0.2% Peruvian).
The Census reported that 112,395 people (99.0% of the population) lived in households, 317 (0.3%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 763 (0.7%) were institutionalized.
There were 27,814 households, out of which 14,557 (52.3%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 15,087 (54.2%) were opposite-sex married couples living together, 5,298 (19.0%) had a female householder with no husband present, 2,962 (10.6%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 2,061 (7.4%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships, and 161 (0.6%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. 3,130 households (11.3%) were made up of individuals, and 1,539 (5.5%) had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 4.04. There were 23,347 families (83.9% of all households); the average family size was 4.23.
The population was spread out, with 32,234 people (28.4%) under the age of 18, 12,814 people (11.3%) aged 18 to 24, 33,263 people (29.3%) aged 25 to 44, 24,567 people (21.6%) aged 45 to 64, and 10,597 people (9.3%) who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 31.6 years. For every 100 females, there were 100.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 99.4 males.
There were 29,069 housing units at an average density of 3,013.0 per square mile (1,163.3/km2), of which 11,740 (42.2%) were owner-occupied, and 16,074 (57.8%) were occupied by renters. The homeowner vacancy rate was 1.4%; the rental vacancy rate was 4.6%. 46,802 people (41.2% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 65,593 people (57.8%) lived in rental housing units.
According to the 2010 United States Census, El Monte had a median household income of $39,535, with 24.3% of the population living below the federal poverty line.
2000
As of the census of 2000, there were 115,965 people, 27,034 households, and 23,005 families residing in the city. The population density was 12,139.5 people per square mile (4,688.4/km2). There were 27,758 housing units at an average density of 2,905.8 per square mile (1,122.2/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 72.39% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race, 35.67% White, 4.9% White Persons not Hispanic, 0.77% Black or African American, 1.38% Native American, 18.51% Asian, 0.12% Pacific Islander, 39.27% from other races, and 4.29% from two or more races.
There were 27,034 households, out of which 53.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.0% were married couples living together, 18.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 14.9% were non-families. 10.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 4.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 4.24 and the average family size was 4.43.
In the city, the population were 34.1% under the age of 18, 12.1% from 18 to 24, 31.5% from 25 to 44, 15.4% from 45 to 64, and 6.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 27 years. For every 100 females, there were 102.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 101.0 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $32,439, and the median income for a family was $32,402. Males had a median income of $21,789 versus $19,818 for females. The per capita income for the city was $10,316. About 22.5% of families and 26.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 33.9% of those under age 18 and 13.3% of those age 65 or over.
Homelessness
In 2022, Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority's Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count counted 230 homeless individuals in El Monte.
| Homeless population | ||
|---|---|---|
| Year | Pop. | ±% |
| 2016 | 160 | — |
| 2017 | 240 | +50.0% |
| 2018 | 517 | +115.4% |
| 2019 | 428 | −17.2% |
| 2020 | 433 | +1.2% |
| 2022 | 230 | −46.9% |
| Source: Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority |
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Economy
According to the city's 2018 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, the top employers in the city are:
| # | Employer | # of Employees |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | El Monte City Elementary School District | 1,500 |
| 2 | El Monte Union High School District | 1,400 |
| 3 | Mountain View Elementary School District | 1,000 |
| 4 | Longo Toyota-Lexus | 831 |
| 5 | City of El Monte | 505 |
| 6 | McGill Corporation | 475 |
| 7 | Staffing Solutions | 266 |
| 8 | Asian Pacific Health Care Venture | 260 |
| 9 | The Home Depot | 251 |
| 10 | Sam's Club | 203 |
Cathay Bank has a corporate center in El Monte. https://www.ci.el-monte.ca.us/DocumentCenter/View/3679/City-of-El-Monte-CAFR-2019-FINAL-PDF
Education
The El Monte Union High School District consists of the following schools:
- Arroyo High School
- El Monte High School
- Mountain View High School
- South El Monte High School
- Fernando R. Ledesma High School, Formerly known as Valle Lindo Continuation School
- Rosemead High School
- El Monte-Rosemead Adult School
The El Monte City School District contains 17 elementary schools: one serving grades K-4, one serving grades K-5, ten serving grades K-6, and six serving grades K-8. The district also administers four Head Start (preschool) sites, which are located at the elementary schools.
- Cherrylee Elementary School
- Columbia Elementary School
- Cortada Elementary School
- Durfee Elementary School
- Gidley Elementary School
- Legore Elementary School
- Mulhall Elementary School
- New Lexington Elementary School
- Norwood Elementary School
- Potrero Elementary School
- Rio Vista Elementary School
- Shirpser Elementary School
- Thompson, (Byron E.) Elementary School
- Wilkerson Elementary School
- Wright Elementary School
- Cleminson Elementary School
- Rio Hondo Elementary School
The Mountain View School District is a K-8 school district comprising ten elementary schools, one intermediate school, one middle school, an alternative education program for students in grades 5–8, and a Children's Center and Head Start/ State Preschool program. The district has an enrollment of 8,600 students.
- Baker Elementary School
- Children's Center/Head Start/State Preschool
- Cogswell Elementary School
- Kranz Intermediate School
- La Primaria Elementary School
- Madrid Middle School
- Magnolia Learning Center
- Maxson Elementary School
- Miramonte Elementary School
- Monte Vista Elementary School
- Parkview Elementary School
- Payne Elementary School
- Twin Lakes Elementary School
- Voorhis Elementary School
Transportation
El Monte is served by Metro, Foothill Transit, and the city-operated El Monte Transit. Metro's J Line ends at El Monte Station. Train service to El Monte is provided by Metrolink's San Bernardino Line, which stops at the El Monte station. Interstate 10 traverses El Monte. San Gabriel Valley Airport, a general aviation airport, is located in El Monte.
Media
El Monte community news is provided by the San Gabriel Valley Tribune which is published daily. Other local newspapers include Mid-Valley News and El Monte Examiner which are both published weekly.
Notable people
- Cris Abrego, television producer
- Art Acevedo, police officer
- Rob Bottin, special make-up effects creator
- A.L.T., Chicano rapper
- Timothy Carey, film and television actor
- Glenn Corbett, actor
- James Ellroy, author
- Mary Ford, vocalist and guitar player
- Virginia Gilmore, actress
- Alexandra Hay, actress
- Roger Hernández, politician
- Cathy LeFrançois, IFBB professional bodybuilder
- Country Joe McDonald, lead singer for the band Country Joe & the Fish
- Tom Morgan, Major League Baseball pitcher
- Lorenzo Oatman and sister Olive Oatman, survivors of the Oatman Massacre of 1851 in Arizona
- Steven Parent, aka "Stereo Steve", victim of the Charles Manson murders
- Bill Piercy, Major League Baseball pitcher
- Salvador Plascencia, author
- Kim Rhode, Olympic shooter
- Emily Rios, actress (Breaking Bad)
- Scatman John, musician
- Willie Shoemaker, jockey
- Robert P. Shuler, reformer and minister of Trinity Methodist Church, Los Angeles
- Hilda Solis, politician
Sister cities
Zamora, Mexico
See also
In Spanish: El Monte (California) para niños
