Although the 2010 Census data is still being released, the information available thus far is beginning to show the demographic shifts that have occurred over the past ten years. Some results may not surprise individuals who make a living tracking changes in Inland Empire communities like Rancho Cucamonga, but any change at all could be very important — for businesses and others in the community — that need to know the marketplace.
Some of the preliminary Census 2010 data for Rancho Cucamonga includes general population figures such as total population, sex, age, race, family information and household occupancy. In the last ten years, for example, the overall population for Rancho Cucamonga has grown about 30 percent, from 127,743 to its official 2010 Census population of 165,269 (estimated to be 168,181 as of 1/1/11). That population accounted for a ratio of men to women that was almost evenly split (63,895 vs. 63,848) in the year 2000, with men only slightly ahead of women overall. Today, however, the number of women in the city has outpaced the male population by about 2.4 percent (83,654 females vs. 81,615 males).
The community, as a whole, is a little older than it was in 2000 too. Back then, the median age was 32.2 years of age. In 2010, the median age is 34.5 years (33.1 years for males; 35.8 years for females), This may be, in part, because Rancho Cucamonga children are growing up and the community’s baby boomers are reaching senior status. In 2000, the number of residents under 18 years of age was 29.9%, and in 2010 that number dropped to 25.7%. Residents 55 years and older surged by nearly 85% (34,976 to 64,513).
Like many communities, Rancho Cucamonga has also seen a shift in its population composite. In 2000 the make-up of the community was as follows: White (54.8%); Black or African American (7.7%); American Indian and Alaska Native (0.3%); Asian, Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander (6.0%); Hispanic (27.8%) and Other (3.3%). By contrast, the 2010 Census figures show the following: White (42.7%); Black or African American (8.8%); American Indian and Alaska Native (0.2%); Asian, Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific (10.3%); Hispanic (34.9%) and Other (3.0%).
When it comes to figuring out just where Rancho Cucamongans are living, a lot hasn’t changed in 10 years. In 2000, approximately 66% of residents lived in the homes that they owned compared to the 68% that live in owner-occupied units today. About 34% of Rancho Cucamonga residents rented the space they lived in — be it single-family or apartment-style homes — in 2000. And in 2010, that number dipped slightly to 32.1%. Keep in mind, however, that the total number of household units also steadily increased over the years from 42,134 to 56,618. Nonetheless, the ratio between owners and renters remains about the same today as it did 10 years ago.
Although the official 2010 Census data for Rancho Cucamonga residents’ income levels is not yet available, the most recent data (2009) shows that Rancho residents’ income levels rank higher than Southern California as a whole. For example, the average household income in Rancho Cucamonga of $99,641 is about $20,000 higher than the average So Cal resident ($79,577).
In 2009, 33.4% of Rancho Cucamonga’s families earned $100,000 or more, while another 16% were in the $75,000-$99,999 range, putting 49.3% of local families above $75,000 a year. And when it comes to Total Spendable Income for communities with populations over 65,000, Rancho Cucamonga placed higher than every other city in San Bernardino County.
As the U.S. Census Bureau continues to tabulate the results of the 2010 Census, additional demographic data will be released including social and economic information. Until then however, there are a number of resources and data that offer the most recent information available for the City of Rancho Cucamonga. And probably the best resource for information on population, community demographics, business data and more is the Redevelopment Agency’s 2011 Community & Economic Profile.