Rowland Heights is an unincorporated community and census-designated place in the San Gabriel Valley, Los Angeles County, California, with a population of 48,231 as of 2020. It is part of the Los Angeles metropolitan area and is the county’s second largest CDP by area and fifth largest by population. The community has a significant Taiwanese population and was known as “Little Taipei” in the 1980s and 1990s. Many residents work for or live near businesses in the neighboring City of Industry.
Historically, Rowland Heights was part of the Mexican-era Rancho La Puente land grant given to John Rowland in 1842 and later shared with William Workman. The area developed over time from pig farms and orange groves into working-class communities and housing developments, particularly during the 1990s. Expansion of the 60 freeway and industrial zoning supported further residential and commercial growth, shaping the modern community seen today.









