Ontario is a city located in San Bernardino County, California. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 158,007. It is the home of Ontario International Airport and the huge Ontario Mills shopping mall (the largest in the Inland Empire and one of the largest in North America). It is also the former home of the Ontario Motor Speedway. It takes its name from the Ontario Colony development established in 1882 by Canadians George and William Chaffey; the colony was named for the Canadian province.

Geography

Ontario is located at 34°3'10" North, 117°37'40" West (34.052811, -117.627861).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 129.1 km² (49.9 mi²). km² (49.8 mi²) of it is land and 0.2 km² (0.1 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 0.14% water.

Demographics

As of the census² of 2000, there are 158,007 people, 43,525 households, and 34,689 families residing in the city. The population density is 1,225.5/km² (3,173.9/mi²). There are 45,182 housing units at an average density of 350.4/km² (907.6/mi²). The racial makeup of the city is 30.83% White, 0.51% African American, 0.06% Native American, 3.88% Asian, 0.37% Pacific Islander, 47.00% Hispanic.

There are 43,525 households out of which 49.4% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.9% are married couples living together, 15.5% have a female householder with no husband present, and 20.3% are non-families. 15.1% of all households are made up of individuals and 4.6% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 3.60 and the average family size is 3.96.

In the city the population is spread out with 34.4% under the age of 18, 11.2% from 18 to 24, 32.4% from 25 to 44, 16.1% from 45 to 64, and 5.9% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 28 years. For every 100 females there are 100.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 98.7 males.

The median income for a household in the city is $42,452, and the median income for a family is $44,031. Males have a median income of $31,664 versus $26,069 for females. The per capita income for the city is $14,244. 15.5% of the population and 12.2% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 19.1% of those under the age of 18 and 7.6% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.

Law enforcement and crime

Unfortunately, Ontario is also well-known for the infamous Black Angels gang that has engaged in countless incidents of gang violence since the 1950's. In response, the Ontario Police Department has become well-known for its attempts in keeping the city's gang problem under control.

External links

• Official site