Los Angeles neighborhood guide
Rowland Heights
Vertical tick marks the LA neighborhood median.
Rent in Rowland Heights
Rent control: Rowland Heightshas no local rent-stabilization ordinance we track, so California's statewide cap (AB 1482) is the main protection. It limits annual increases on most buildings at least 15 years old, with exemptions. Verify a building's status before signing.
General information, not legal advice.
How Rowland Heights scores for you
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Rowland Heights is an unincorporated community in the San Gabriel Valley, nestled in and below the Puente Hills. With a population of about 48,000, it is one of Los Angeles County's largest census designated places and has long been known for its strong Taiwanese cultural presence, earning the nickname "Little Taipei" during the 1980s and 1990s when it saw a wave of immigration from Taiwan. That heritage remains visible in the local food scene, shops, and community character today.
The city is defined by quiet residential streets and a car-dependent layout. It sits away from major transit lines, meaning most residents rely on driving for daily errands and work commutes. The trade-off is cleaner air than much of Southern California and lower density than urban neighborhoods, appealing to those who prioritize space and neighborhood calm over walkability.
Living here
Day-to-day life in Rowland Heights centers on car-based routines. Most errands, from groceries to dining, require driving. Within a short walk, you will find about 7 restaurants, 2 gyms, 2 coffee shops, and 1 grocery store per small hex cell, but these are scattered across the area rather than concentrated on walkable blocks. Parks like Pathfinder Community Regional Park and Trailview Park offer outdoor space, though recreation typically involves a short drive.
The neighborhood benefits from lower air pollution than the regional average and moderately heavy traffic exposure, common for the San Gabriel Valley. There is no rail transit nearby, so a reliable car is essential. Most apartment hunters here are prioritizing affordable suburban living, family space, and a quieter environment over the convenience of walking to shops or taking transit to work downtown.
Who it's for
Rowland Heights works best for renters who own a car and value quieter, spacious residential living over walkability and urban amenities. It appeals to families, remote workers, and anyone seeking lower density and cleaner air than denser parts of Los Angeles County, particularly those drawn to or comfortable with Taiwanese and East Asian culture and restaurants. If you work locally in the San Gabriel Valley or prefer driving to all destinations, this is a practical choice; if you rely on transit or walk most errands, look elsewhere.
Environment & livability
Air quality: below the California median for diesel PM exposure.
Air quality here is better than average for the state. Worth noting if you have respiratory sensitivities.
Traffic exposure: above-average traffic corridor exposure.
Higher traffic proximity correlates with elevated noise, diesel emissions, and reduced pedestrian comfort on nearby streets.
Tree cover: very limited tree cover, predominantly concrete.
Low canopy areas tend to run hotter and feel more exposed. Research links tree cover to lower ambient temperatures and improved pedestrian comfort.
Walkability: walkable for some errands, car useful for others.
A mixed walkability area. Good for quick trips on foot, but some destinations will require driving or transit.
Transit: minimal transit access, car strongly recommended.
Very infrequent or no meaningful transit nearby. Car dependency is high in this area.
Environmental data from CalEnviroScreen 4.0 and the EPA Smart Location Database. Informational only, not professional advice for a housing decision.
Who lives in Rowland Heights
Population
27,558
Renters
30%
of households rent
Median age
44
Median income
$103k
per household
Census ACS 5-year estimates.
Schools in Rowland Heights
10 public schools sit inside this area · 8 with published results. Figures are the share of students who met or exceeded state standards.
| School | Grades | English | Math |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blandford Elementary Elementary | K-6 | 59% | 57% |
| Jellick Elementary Elementary | K-6 | 48% | 34% |
| Killian Elementary Elementary | K-6 | 49% | 47% |
| Rowland Elementary Elementary | K-6 | 22% | 16% |
| Shelyn Elementary Elementary | K-6 | 66% | 60% |
| Ybarra Academy for the Arts and Technology Elementary | K-8 | 60% | 43% |
| Alvarado Intermediate Intermediate/Middle/Junior High | 7-8 | 46% | 42% |
| John A. Rowland High High School | 9-12 | 66% | 42% |
| Rowland Unified Community Day High School | 12 | — | — |
| Farjardo - La Seda Preschool Preschool | No Data | — | — |
Source: California Dept. of Education (directory) and CAASPP Smarter Balanced, 2025. We publish these figures as the state reports them and show the same table for every neighborhood. Saktoo does not rate schools, and school data is never part of a neighborhood match score. Attendance boundaries change — confirm the assigned school with the district before relying on it.
Around Rowland Heights
168 Market · 99 Ranch Market · Garden Fresh Farmer's Market · Nijiya Market
85°C · Boba Ave 8090 · Chicha San Chen · Dumbstruck Coffee
All That 'N Dim Sum · Baekjeong · Banana Bay · BUNSIK 88 - Korean Soul Food
Carolyn Rosas Park · Gloria Heer Park · Pathfinder Community Regional Park · Pathfinder Park
LA Fitness · UFC GYM
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What the census says about Rowland Heights
Facts about the neighborhood from the American Community Survey. These describe Rowland Heights; none of them feed the scores above.
- Typical commute
- 36 min
- one way, residents who work
- Settled households
- 77%
- moved in before 2018
- Housing built
- ~1975
- average year of construction
- Above 1 per room
- 10%
- a measure of housing pressure
- Vacant units
- 5%
- of all housing units
- Broadband
- 93%
- of households subscribe
- Detached houses
- 72%
- the rest are attached or apartments
- Typical size
- 3 bed
- median across all homes here
- Homes here
- 13,602
- total housing units
Averaged across 22 areas of about a kilometre each. ACS 5-year estimates.
Rowland Heights in the regional index
How Rowland Heights places when every neighborhood in LA and Orange County is scored the same way.
- Where police report the fewest incidents
Ranks #43 of 254 neighborhoods on this weighting.
- Where growing up led to higher adult earnings
Ranks #61 of 263 neighborhoods on this weighting.
Finding a place in Rowland Heights
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need a car in Rowland Heights?+
Yes. Rowland Heights ranks 93rd in transit access out of 319 areas and has no nearby rail stations. A car is strongly recommended for getting around to work, shopping, dining, and other daily activities.
What is the food scene like?+
Rowland Heights has a strong Taiwanese and East Asian food culture, with restaurants ranging from dumpling shops and ramen to Korean barbecue and hot pot. You will find about 7 restaurants per small cell on average, reflecting the area's diverse culinary heritage.
Is the air quality good?+
Yes. Rowland Heights ranks 39th out of 318 areas for air quality and has cleaner air than the regional average, a major advantage compared to more urban and industrial parts of the county.
Is Rowland Heights walkable?+
No. It ranks 250th out of 319 areas in walkability. Most errands require a car or transit. The neighborhood is designed for driving, with residential streets, scattered shops, and limited pedestrian infrastructure.
What is the average rent in Rowland Heights?+
Current residents of Rowland Heights pay a median rent of about $2,335 per month (Census ACS). Asking rents for new leases typically run higher.
How is the air quality in Rowland Heights?+
Rowland Heights has below the California median for diesel PM exposure, based on CalEnviroScreen 4.0 diesel particulate data (percentile 39 of 100, lower is cleaner).
Which LA neighborhoods are similar to Rowland Heights?+
Based on walkability, rent levels, amenities, and environment, the most similar neighborhoods to Rowland Heights are Northridge, North El Monte, Cypress and Temple City.