Lincoln Heights is a low-income, youthful area, with high percentages of Latino and Asian residents. It has nine public and four private schools and several historic or notable landmarks. The 2000 U.S. census counted 26,616 residents in the 2.51-square-mile Lincoln Heights neighborhood—or 10,602 people per square mile, an average population density for the city. In 2008, the city estimated that the population had increased to 29,637. In 2000 the median age for residents was 27, considered young for city and county neighborhoods. The percentages of residents aged 10 through 18 were among the county's highest. The neighborhood was considered "not especially diverse" ethnically within Los Angeles, with a relatively high percentage of both Asian and Latino people. The breakdown was Latinos, 70.7%;Asians, 25.2%; whites, 2.7%; blacks, 0.4%; and others, 1.0%. Mexico (57.0%) and Vietnam (16.9%) were the most common places of birth for the 55,8% of the residents who were born abroad—which was a high percentage for Los Angeles.[2]
The median yearly household income in 2008 dollars was $30,579, considered low for the city. Renters occupied 75.9% of the housing stock, and house- or apartment-owners held 24.1%. The average household size of 3.6 people was considered high for Los Angeles.[2]
The percentages of never-married men (53.0%) and women (40.6%) were among the county's highest. The 19.5% of families headed by single parents was considered about average for city neighborhoods. There were 500 veterans, or 2.8% of the population, a low proportion compared to the rest of the city.