Rancho Palos Verdes, California, is a picturesque coastal city located on the Palos Verdes Peninsula in Los Angeles County. Incorporated in 1973, the city was developed with a focus on preserving its natural beauty, featuring rolling hills, dramatic cliffs, and panoramic ocean views. Historically, the area was part of the Rancho de los Palos Verdes land grant during the Spanish colonial period, later transitioning through various phases of development while maintaining its commitment to environmental conservation.
The city is home to several notable landmarks, including the Wayfarers Chapel, designed by Lloyd Wright, son of the renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright. This glass chapel, nestled among redwoods with sweeping ocean vistas, has been a popular site for weddings and tourism. However, due to a rapidly accelerating landslide, the chapel is currently being dismantled to preserve its materials for future reconstruction.
Rancho Palos Verdes has attracted numerous famous residents over the years. Notable individuals include filmmaker Steven Spielberg and architect Frank Gehry. The city has also been home to musician Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin and tennis star Pete Sampras.
According to the latest U.S. Census data, Rancho Palos Verdes has a population of approximately 41,259 residents. The city comprises around 15,000 households, with an average household size of 2.7 persons. The median age of residents is 49.7 years, indicating a mature community . Economically, the median household income stands at $175,307, with a per capita income of $86,568. Approximately 4.1% of the population lives below the poverty line.
The racial makeup of Rancho Palos Verdes is predominantly White (62.0%), followed by Asian (24.4%), individuals identifying with two or more races (5.2%), and other races . The city’s commitment to preserving its natural environment is evident in its extensive green spaces, including parks, trails, and golf courses, offering residents and visitors numerous recreational opportunities.
For more information, you can visit the City of Rancho Palos Verdes official website or read the Wikipedia article on Rancho Palos Verdes, California.