About Laguna Niguel
Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 61,891 people, 23,217 households, and 16,785 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,630.0/km² (4,221.0/mi²). There were 23,885 housing units at an average density of 629.1/km² (1,629.0/mi²). The racial makeup of the city was 83.50% White, 1.25% African American, 0.29% Native American, 7.73% Asian, 0.12% Pacific Islander, 3.48% from other races, and 3.62% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 10.38% of the population.
There were 23,217 households out of which 38.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.2% were married couples living together, 8.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.7% were non-families. 20.6% of all households were made up of individuals and 4.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.65 and the average family size was 3.10.
In the city the population was spread out with 26.6% under the age of 18, 6.0% from 18 to 24, 32.9% from 25 to 44, 25.7% from 45 to 64, and 8.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 94.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.2 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $80,733, and the median income for a family was $93,613. Males had a median income of $68,640 versus $40,487 for females. The per capita income for the city was $39,167. About 2.8% of families and 4.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.6% of those under age 18 and 4.1% of those age 65 or over.
History
Laguna Niguel is located on what used to be the Mexican land grant of Juan Avila. When California became a United States territory in 1848, he had to legally battle to retain ownership of the land, which cost him significantly. He retained ownership until 1865, when a severe drought killed off most of his cattle.
Lewis Moulton, owner of the Moulton Company, bought the area of modern-day Laguna Niguel in 1895, along with significant other portions of the surrounding area from farmers that were hard pressed to earn a living due to a local drought in the area.
The Laguna Niguel Corporation, started by Cabot, Cabot, and Forbes from Boston in 1959, made it one of the first master planned communities in California. Victor Gruen, a Vienna architect, and Associates developed a community plan for 7,100 acres. The Avco Community Developer in 1969 continued the plan, which by then held 6,500 residents.
The construction of the San Diego, I-5, Freeway in 1959 allowed more people to arrive. The first communities developed in Laguna Niguel were right along the coast, touching the southern border of Laguna Beach. These communities were called Monarch Bay and the Monarch Bay Terrace built between 1960 and 1962.
In 1973, Laguna Niguel Regional Park opened, and in 1974 a one-million square-foot ziggurat building was given to the United States government. These two projects constituted the largest ever in the city, up to present day.
On December 1, 1989, Laguna Niguel became an incorporated city in Orange County and became its 29th city.
Education
The city is served by the Capistrano Unified School District.
It is served by:
Elementary Schools
- Moulton Elementary School
- Marian Bergeson Elementary School
- Crown Valley Elementary School
- Crown Valley Elementary School
- Laguna Niguel Elementary School
- Malcolm Elementary School
- George White Elementary School
Middle Schools
- Niguel Hills Middle School
- Aliso Viejo Middle School (in Aliso Viejo)
High Schools
- Aliso Niguel High School (in Aliso Viejo)
- Dana Hills High School (in Dana Point)
Colleges (Served by the South Orange County Community College District)
- Saddleback College (in Mission Viejo)
- Chapman University (in Orange)
- Soka University of America (in Aliso Viejo)
- University of California, Irvine (in Irvine)
- University of California, Irvine (in Irvine)
- California State University, Fullerton (in Fullerton)
Points of interest
Over one-third of Laguna Niguel is designated as open space. Major parks in Laguna Niguel include:
- Aliso and Wood Canyons Regional Park
- Badlands Park
- Laguna Niguel Regional Park
Infrastructure
Fire protection in Laguna Beach is provided by the Laguna Beach Fire Department with ambulance service by Doctor's Ambulance. Law enforcement is provided by the Laguna Beach Police Department. Marine safety services are provided jointly by Laguna Beach City Lifeguards.
Neighborhoods
Laguna Niguel is home to many upscale neighborhoods including Bear Brand Ranch,Ocean Ranch, South Peak, Crest de Ville, Palmilla, and Monarch Point, which offer city, canyon, and ocean views. Other major neighborhoods include Rancho Niguel, Marina Hills, Niguel West, Beacon Hill, El Niguel Heights, Kite Hill, and San Joaquin Hills.