City of

City of
Brea
Community Profile
& Demographics
City of Brea
Community Profile
Table of Contents

City Government.......................................................................................................2
Why Businesses Choose Brea.............................................................................3

Brea Employers............................................................................................................3

Workforce......................................................................................................................4

Demographics..............................................................................................................4

Housing.............................................................................................................................6

Transportation..............................................................................................................7

Education.........................................................................................................................8

Retail, Dining and Accommodations...............................................................9

Health and Fitness...................................................................................................10
Green Life, Green Brea.......................................................................................10

Culture and Recreation.........................................................................................11

History........................................................................................................................... 12

Nearby Attractions................................................................................................. 13
www.cityofbrea.net
Brea – small town charm, big
city opportunities
Combine the vibrancy of the city with the comforts of the suburbs and you’ve got the best of both worlds
in the City of Brea.
Here art, architecture, and amenities intersect in one livable, small city with a friendly neighborhood feel.
Brea beautifully blends a lively local economy, responsive city services, exciting shopping and dining options,
top-rated schools, quality housing, health and wellness facilities, and plenty of places to play.
Centrally located in the northeast corner of Orange County, Brea connects major transportation routes
and employment centers across Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties. From local
retailers to multinational corporate headquarters, business thrives in Brea’s rich economic climate.
Home to 43,330 residents, with an average annual household income of $93,576, the City of Brea draws
more than 100,000 people each day to work, shop, and be entertained.
Many businesses, including the entirety of Brea Downtown, offer free Wi-Fi access.
60
110
Santa Monica
LAX
91
Manhattan Beach
Imperial Highway
710
91
Palos Verdes
W
405
Long
Beach
N
Seal Beach
E
57
5
55
22
Cy
n.
S
Beach Boulevard
Redondo Beach
Br
ea
Huntington Beach
Newport Beach
57
Central
Ave.
Dana Point
Palm
Lambert Rd.
Carbo
n Cyn
Ave.
San Clemente
Rose Dr.
Kraemer Blvd.
Bastanchary Rd.
State College
Brea Blvd.
Imperial
Hwy.
5
Valencia
Harbor Blvd.
Birch St.
.
Yorba Linda Blvd.
1
CITY GOVERNMENT
City Council
FY 2015–16 General Fund Budget
Citizen involvement and volunteer participation are central to Brea
governance. Several standing citizen commissions directly advise
the City Council, and other task-related committees are formed as
needed to address changing issues and opportunities.
Expenditures – in $ Millions
Brea is governed by a five-member City Council, each elected to
four-year terms. Each year, the Council elects one of its members
to serve a one-year term as Mayor. As a General Law City, the
Council appoints City Manager to implement policies and oversee
city departments.
Brea Civic & Cultural Center
The Brea Civic & Cultural Center houses not only city administrative
offices and Council Chambers, but also the Brea Art Gallery, Curtis
Theatre, Brea Library, Chamber of Commerce, and Brea Olinda
School District offices. City offices are open Monday through
Thursday, and every other Friday.
Technology
The City of Brea is a municipal leader in the use of new technology
to maximize efficiencies and communications.The City’s full service
IT division even provides contracted technology support to 15
other municipalities. Brea’s dynamic approach keeps the City
innovative, cost effective, and secure.
Administrative
Services, $3.50
Management
Services, $2.07
Community
Services, $6.97
Police Services,
$19.23
Public Works, $5.56
Community
Development, $2.83
Total: $51,890,790
Fire Services, $11.73
Revenues – in $ Millions
Business License,
$1.10
Other Sources,
$8.76
Franchise Fees,
$1.77
Paramedic Tax,
$2.70
Property Tax,
$8.14
Transient
Occupancy Tax,
$1.50
Licenses, Permits
& Net Transfers,
$1.90
Motor Vehicle
License Fees,
$3.22
Community
Services, $2.98
Sales Tax, $21.00
Total: $53,069,332
2
Veterans Memorial
WHY BUSINESSES CHOOSE BREA
Located in Northern Orange County, where California’s five most
populous counties converge, and with per capita retail sales among
the highest in the state, it’s no wonder that Brea is known as a
quality business environment.
Business Services
To provide support for business and to promote a thriving local
economy, the City offers:
• Streamlined permit processing
• Elimination of overlapping fees
Brea Chamber of Commerce
The Brea Chamber of Commerce has been the voice of the
business community since its founding in 1913. The Chamber is
committed to connecting local businesses, service organizations,
and all levels of government to create an environment where
people want to live, work, and play. With offices at the Brea Civic
and Cultural Center, the Chamber works closely with the City
on many programs benefiting the local community and economy.
Contact the Brea Chamber of Commerce at (714) 529-3660 or
visit them at BreaChamber.com
• Business friendly staff
• Business outreach programs
Brea’s Business-to-Business (B2B) Directory is a free, online
platform exclusively for Brea businesses to network with
other local companies and share opportunities and resources.
www.BreaB2Bdirectory.com
Contact the Economic Development Division at (714) 671–4421
to discuss opportunities in Brea for your business.
Please note, a business license is required to conduct any type
of business in the city, including home occupation, temporary
activities, and contractors temporarily working in the City. Rates
vary according to type of business. For more information, please
call (714) 990–7686.
BREA EMPLOYERS
Brea’s commercial and industrial businesses form a diverse
economic base. Major employers in Brea include:
A pro-business environment makes Brea a natural fit for corporate
offices. Companies currently headquartered in Brea include:
• Bank of America
• Beckman Coulter, Inc.
• Mercury Insurance Group
• Nature’s Best
• Albertson’s, Inc.
• American
Motor Company
• Kirkhill Elastomers
• Brea Olinda Unified School District
• Nordstrom
Suzuki
• Ventura Foods, LLC.
• ViewSonic North American
• Veterinary Pet Insurance Co.
• Brea Olinda Unified School District
3
WORKFORCE
Brea is the home to a versatile and qualified workforce comprised
of an increasingly diverse community. With 48% of Brea residents
being college educated, businesses have access to a variety of skills
for a multitude of needs. Nearly half of Brea’s working population is
employed in management, business science, and arts occupations.
Brea Population Age 25+ by Education Entertainment
Less than 9th grade
851
3.20%
Some High School, no diploma
1,623
6.10%
High School Graduate (or GED)
4,350
16.30%
Some College, no degree
7,126
26.70%
Associate Degree
2,084
7.80%
Bachelor’s Degree
7,082
26.50%
Graduate or Professional Degree
3,621
13.50%
Pop. 25 and over
26,737
2010 Census and ACS 3-­year (2012)
(Percentages may not add up due to rounding)
Occupational Categories
Population
2014 Estimate
42,397
2010 Census
39,282
2014 Estimate
42,397
2010 Census
39,282
2000 Census
35,410
1990 Census
33,297
Projected Growth
2010 – 2020 OCP)
20%
Growth 2000-2010
10.93%
Growth 1990-­2000
6.35%
2010 Census, State Department of Finance, and
Orange County Projections 2010
Population by Age
Management, Business, Science, and
Arts Occupations
9,418
48.10%
0 to 4
2,156
5 to 9
Service
2,170
11.10%
2,363
Sales and Office
5,586
28.50%
10 to 14
2,700
15 to 19
Natural Resources, Construction, and
Maintenance Occupations
2,872
1,044
5.30%
20 to 24
2,620
6.90%
25 to 34
Production, Transportation, and
Material Moving
4,902
1,358
35 to 44
5,767
Total Brea Residence Employed Age
16+ by Occupation
19,576
45 to 49
3,183
50 to 54
3,101
55 to 59
2,542
60 to 64
2,126
65 to 74
2,656
75 to 84
1,691
2010 Census and ACS 3-­year (2012)
(Percentages may not add up due to rounding)
4
Demographics
85 and over
603
19 and under
25.69%
20 to 64
61.71%
65 and over
12.60%
Population by Single Race
Household Income
White Alone
42.10%
Less than $15,000
468
Hispanic
25.00%
$15,000 -­$24,999
1,198
Black or African
American Alone
1.40%
American Indian &
Alaska Native Alone
0.50%
Asian Alone
18.20%
Native Hawaiian &
Other Pacific Islander
Alone
0.20%
Some Other Race
Alone
8.20%
Two or More Races
4.40%
Households by Household Size
1
3,070
2
4,437
3
2,552
4
2,502
5
1,089
6
382
7 or more
234
Average
Household Size
2.67
$25,000 - $34,999
914
$35,000 -­$49,000
1,469
$50,000 - $74,999
2,615
$75,000 -­$99,999
1,819
$100,000 -­$149,999
2,937
$150,000 -­$199,999
1,469
$200,000 or more
967
Average Household
Income
$93,576
Median Household
Income
$78,229
Per Capita Income
$33,367
2010 Census and ACS 3-year (2012)
5
housing
Brea offers a variety of housing opportunities, from quaint 1920s era
neighborhoods to new upscale residential developments. Between
apartment communities, condominiums, unique live/work lofts, five
mobile home parks, and eight complexes for senior citizens, housing
options abound for all types of individuals and families.
Brea has consistently scored high on the Orange County Business
Council Workforce Housing Scorecard. The Low and Moderate
Income Rent Program includes over 700 units throughout
the City. For information on this program, please call the
Affordable Rental Hotline at (714) 671-3622 or send an email to
rent@cityofbrea.net.
Housing Values (EST. All Owner-­Occupied Housing Values)
Less than $99.9
712
$100 -­$149.9
227
$150 -­$199.9
43
$200-­$299.9
410
$300-­$499.9
2,656
$500-­$1000
4,505
$1000 or more
Median Housing
Value
94
$518,200
(in Thousands of Dollars) 2010 Census and ACS 3-­year
(in Thousands of Dollars) 2010 Census and ACS 3-­year
(2012)
Walnut Bungalows
Birch Hills Apartments
La Floresta
Walden Estates
6
Transportation
Located at the point where Orange, Los Angeles, and San
Bernardino counties meet, Brea provides convenient access to
four major airports, as well as the ports of Long Beach and Los
Angeles. Apart from the Orange Freeway (57), which runs directly
through the City, Brea is but a short drive from the Riverside (91),
Pomona (60), San Bernardino (10), Santa Ana (5), and Newport
(55) freeways. Seven bus routes, as well as nearby train stations
in Fullerton and Anaheim, provide services to local residents and
commuters alike.
Travel Time to Work by Brea Residents Age 16+
Less than 15 Minutes
15-­29 Minutes
4,392
22.80%
5,972
31.00%
30-­44 Minutes
5,066
26.30%
45-­59 Minutes
1,733
9.00%
2,100
10.90%
60 or more Minutes
2010 Census and ACS 3-­year (2012)
Transportation Modes to Work by Brea Residents Age 16+
Drove Alone
Car Pooled
15,573
1,854
Public Transportation
402
Walked
315
Bicycle
93
Taxi, Motorcycle and
Other Means
76
Other Means
Worked at Home
169
952
2010 Census and ACS 3-­year (2012)
On any given workday, an average of 3,000 Amtrack
and Metrolink commuters travel through the Fullerton
Transportation Center, making it the busiest stop in
the Orange County area.
OCTA’s bus system offers easy access to the many
shopping, employment and entertainment destinations
in Brea.
7
EDUCATION
Schools in the Brea Olinda Unified District have maintained
consistent scores above the 90th percentile in state and national
achievement tests. The district consists of six elementary schools,
one junior high, one high school, and one alternative high school.
Several pre-schools and faith-based schools are also available in
Brea. For more information visit: http://www.bousd.k12.ca.us/.
Numerous colleges and universities are within an easy driving
distance of Brea, including:
California State University, Fullerton
With over 35,000 students enrolled, Cal State Fullerton provides
all of the services of a major university. CSU Fullerton’s Steven
G. Mihaylo College of Business and Economics has been included
in the 2013 edition of Princeton Review’s “Best 295 Business
Schools”.
Cal State Fullerton engages the local community in several ways:
• California State University, Fullerton
• Athletic Events
• Fullerton Community College
• Cultural Events
• Western State University College of Law
• Clayes Performing Arts Center
• Whittier College
• Fullerton Arboretum and OC Agricultural and Nikkei
Heritage Museum
• Chapman University
• University of California, Irvine
• Cal Poly Pomona
For information, visit
http://www.fullerton.edu/culture-events.asp.
Credit: CSUF News Service
8
Brea Olinda High School
RETAIL, DINING AND ACCOMMODATIONS
Brea is a leading regional retail shopping destination. Between Brea Mall, Downtown Brea, Brea Marketplace, Brea Gateway Center, Union
Plaza, East Imperial Center, and many other retail corridors and small shopping centers, the City has something for everyone.
Brea Mall
Located at the cross-section of Orange Freeway (57) and
Imperial Highway (90) , the Brea Mall offers a stylish shopping
experience. Amid Italian tile walkways, vaulted ceilings, and
beautiful artwork, visitors can enjoy four major department
stores (Sears, Macy’s, JC Penney, and Nordstrom) and over
175 specialty shops and restaurants.
Downtown Brea
Brea’s Downtown combines eclectic shopping and dining
options with varied entertainment choices, all with a
wonderfully walkable social setting. The Downtown
also offers loft rental housing, tri-level condominiums
and the Ash Street Cottages, a charming 96-unit singlefamily neighborhood that has won several awards for
innovative design.
Dining
The City boasts a plethora of dining options, from savory
cuisine to sweet treats. Offerings include upscale restaurants,
quaint cafes, friendly pubs and grills, and convenient fast
food of all kinds.
• BJ’s Restaurant
• Lucille’s Smokehouse BBQ
• Brunos Trattoria
• Outback Steakhouse
• Bruxie Gourmet Waffle
Sandwiches
• TAPS Fish House
and Brewery
• Cedar Creek Inn
• Yard House
• Cha Cha’s Latin Kitchen
• Lillie’s Q
• Cheesecake Factory
• Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar
• El Torito Grill
• Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlour
Accommodations
Brea offers a range of lodging options for travelers,
including Embassy Suites, Chase Suite Hotel, as well as
smaller motels.
9
HEALTH AND FITNESS
With a diversity of highly-skilled medical professionals and
a focus on quality healthcare, the nearby Placentia-Linda
Hospital and St. Jude Medical Center have been serving
residents’ needs for over 30 years. Both have continued to
grow and offer a wide variety of services.
With a diversity of highly-skilled medical professionals and
a focus on quality healthcare, the nearby Placentia-Linda
Hospital and St. Jude Medical Center have been serving
residents’ needs for over 30 years. Both have continued to
grow and offer a wide variety of services.
St. Jude Centers for Rehabilitation and Wellness, located in
Brea, provides programs addressing chronic pain, brain and
spinal cord injury, stroke recovery, and sports rehabilitation,
among many others. Wellness offerings include indoor
cycling, Pilates, yoga, strength and endurance conditioning,
and Zumba.
The Brea Fitness Center also offers a variety of fitness
classes, programs, and events.
The Tracks at Brea Trail
Soon, residents and visitors will enjoy a 4-mile long biking
trail with a separate pedestrian path running east-west
through the city. For more information, email your contact
information to TheTracks@cityofbrea.net to be notified of
future progress.
10
Green Life, Green Brea
By facing the challenge of sustainability head on, Brea has
made inroads towards an economically and environmentally
balanced future. The City engages in retrofitting of older
buildings, new solar installations, drought tolerant planning,
and information outreach in order to promote a more
environmentally minded community.
Brea was recognized as a finalist by the U.S. Chamber
of Commerce Business Civic Leadership Center for the
Sustainable Community Award and the Climate Registry
has awarded Brea as a “Cool Planet” for its efforts. The City
itself recognizes businesses and organizations for exemplary
energy and water conservation with its Green Life, Green
Brea Award.
CULTURE AND RECREATION
Brea’s Art in Public Places
Wildcatters Dog Park
Established in 1975, Brea’s Art in Public Places Program
boasts over 150 unique sculptures across the City, making
it one of the largest collections of public art in the country.
Visit www.cityofbrea.net/artinpublicplaces for a full list of
sculptures and locations.
Consisting of a 1/3 acre section for small dogs and a nearlyfootball field sized area for large dogs, this dog park lets
locals and their four-legged friends enjoy some outdoor
recreation.
Brea Art Gallery
Brea Community Center
Over 6,000 square feet of exhibition space houses
exhibits throughout the year, featuring artwork across
many styles, media, and themes. For information, visit
www.breagallery.com.
This 52,000 square foot complex offers programs for fitness,
adult sports, after-school activities, and summer day camp,
in addition to housing the Brea Family Resource Center.
Space rentals are also available. For more information, visit
www.cityofbrea.net.
Curtis Theater
Play in Brea
This 199-seat venue presents full staged productions of
music, dance, and drama from both local and visiting groups.
For information, visit www.curtistheatre.com.
The City takes its recreation seriously with 3 regional parks,
13 community parks, 2 public golf courses, and the historic
Brea Plunge, an Olympic-size swimming pool originally built
in 1929. Brea’s Community Services Department offers
adult and youth sports leagues and a wide range of special
events.
Brea Sports Park
This 26-acre multi-sport park houses two baseball diamonds,
a softball field, soccer/football fields, two basketball courts,
batting cages, a perimeter trail, and a children’s play area
with picnic amenities.
Brea Senior Center
The center works to meet the social, recreational, and
service needs of Brea’s senior population. Services include
lunch program, social services, computer lab, educational
and recreational programs, and health counseling and
care management.
Service Clubs & Organizations
Kiwanis Club, Soroptimist International, Rotary International,
Lions Club, and Active Christians Today, among others,
provide many community services and activities. There are
also a full range of youth organizations including sports,
scouts, and a Boys and Girls Club.
Community Events
A number of special events are held annually in Brea,
including Summer Concerts in the Park, Brea Fest: A Taste
of the Arts, and several Craft Boutiques.
Art in Public Places
Brea Gallery
11
HISTORY
From its humble origins as an oil boom town, the City of
Brea has grown into a vibrant community with a strong
cultural and economic identity.
The name Brea comes from a Spanish word for “tar”. Early
inhabitants of the region discovered the substance seeping
up from the nearby foothills. This tar had many uses, including
as an adhesive and waterproofing material. These residents,
known as the Tongva, lived throughout the region and relied
on the local environment for hunting and gathering of food,
supplies, and medicinal herbs.
Starting in 1769, Spanish settlement began in the region,
which included the forced relocation of the Tongva people
under the Mission system. In 1824, large land grants known
as ranchos were parceled out to individuals following
Mexico’s independence from Spain. These ranchos would
change hands and shape as California became a U.S. state,
heavily influencing the development of Orange County.
The Stearns Ranchos Company owned the land that would
eventually become Brea, leasing it out during the late
nineteenth century to Basque sheepherders.
In 1894, the Union Oil Company purchased 1,200 acres
of land for oil development. Other oil companies followed
suit, and with Edward J. Doheny’s successful oil discovery in
1897, a “black gold rush” was set in motion. The oil town
of Olinda, in the hills near the eventual Brea town site, was
the site of the area’s first school in 1909, and with increased
business and access due to the Pacific Electric rail line,
the region continued to grow. The town of Brea was first
founded on in early 1911, and with a population of 752, Brea
was officially incorporated on February 15, 1917.
The City of Brea has since continued to grow. In 1922, the
Red Lantern Theater opened along Pomona Avenue (now
Brea Boulevard), entertaining locals and drawing visits from
Judy Garland, whose uncle managed the establishment. In
1924, baseball legend Babe Ruth came to town, playing
with local Hall of Fame pitcher Walter Johnson in the
“Brea Bowl”.
As the twentieth century progressed, Brea continued to
evolve. Oil production within the area declined during
the mid-century, while new housing developments and
businesses populated the City. With the completion of the
Orange Freeway (57) in 1972, Brea Mall in 1977, and Brea
Civic & Cultural Center in 1980, the City saw increased
investment that spurred further development and put the
City on the path to become the strong community that it
is today.
From oil derricks and citrus groves, the City of Brea has
developed into a destination for business, shopping, and
entertainment,as well as a center of public art and culture.Today,
Brea balances big city capabilities with small town atmosphere.
Brea Boulevard Circa 1920’s
12
Olinda Oil Museum and Trail
Located in the Olinda neighborhood of Brea, this museum
and hiking trail interprets the area’s roots as an oil town. For
more information, visit www.cityofbrea.net.
Located in the Olinda neighborhood of Brea, this museum
and hiking trail interprets the area’s roots as an oil town. For
more information, visit www.cityofbrea.net.
Brea Museum and Heritage Center
Located adjacent to City Hall Park, and operated by
the Brea Historical Society, the museum preserves
Brea’s rich history and provides a place for education,
research, and community gatherings. For information, visit
http://www.breamuseum.org/.
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS
• Richard M. Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
• La Habra Children’s Museum
• Disneyland
• Knott’s Berry Farm
• Angel Stadium
• Honda Center
• Anaheim Convention Center
Olinda Oil Museum
13
B R E A
ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT
Community Development
Department
Brea Civic & Cultural Center
1 Civic Center Circle
Brea, CA 92821
(714) 671-4421
www.cityofbrea.net
Printed September 2015