Alpine is an unincorporated community in San Diego County, California, United States. The Alpine census-designated place had a population of 13,143 at the 2000 census. Alpine is the residence of United States Representative Duncan Hunter. Major League Baseball Second baseman Marcus Giles lives there.
As of the census of 2000, there were 13,143 people, 4,775 households, and 3,652 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 188.9/km². There were 4,958 housing units at an average density of 71.2/km². The racial makeup of the CDP was 90.78% White, 0.83% African American, 1.17% Native American, 1.98% Asian, 0.21% Pacific Islander, 2.86% from other races, and 2.18% from two or more races. 10.22% of the population were Hispanic (U.S. Census) or Latino of any race.
There were 4,775 households out of which 36.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 63.5% were married couples living together, 8.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 23.5% were non-families. 17.3% of all households were made up of individuals and 7.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.72 and the average family size was 3.06.
In the CDP the population was spread out with 26.0% under the age of 18, 7.0% from 18 to 24, 29.3% from 25 to 44, 26.6% from 45 to 64, and 11.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 99.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.6 males.
The median income for a household in the CDP was $61,832, and the median income for a family was $69,821. Males had a median income of $51,444 versus $31,891 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $29,523. About 4.9% of families and 6.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.6% of those under age 18 and 4.3% of those age 65 or over.
The first people to enjoy Alpine's fine climate were the Kumeyaay Indians, who lived here around a thousand years ago. They are one of the many tribes whom the early Catholic Missionaries grouped together under the name Diegueno. The descendants of these people are a vital part of our present community. Alpine began as a stage stop for the mines in the Cuyamaca Mountains. Drivers hauling supplies to the mines and delivering gold to San Diego stopped to rest and change horses before continuing up the rough trail to the Cuyamacas or down the hazardous trials to the coast. Although the stage stop was only a barn and small store, there was an abundant supply of fresh water from the springs in front of the store. Alpine's population gradually increased as the miners spread stories about the area's scenic beauty and fresh water.
Benjamin R. Arnold, seeking a place to cure his asthma, arrived in Alpine in 1887. His health improved in Alpine and he built the family home in what is today the town center. He built the first hotel for people coming to the mountains to improve their health. Arnold spearheaded stageline and road improvements for regular stagecoach services to run down the mountain to meet the train in Lakeside and haul people and supplies back.
Arnold helped build the Town Hall, now the Alpine Woman's Club which is still used for community events and activities. Alpine gained worldwide publicity during World War I, when a U.S. Government survey declared Alpine's climate the best in the nation. "Best Climate in the U.S.A. by Government Report" became the town slogan.
Today residents of Alpine continue to enjoy the scenic beauty, great climate and small town atmosphere.
Learn more about this city.
City of Alpine, CA official site
City of Alpine, CA Chamber of Commerce
City of Alpine, CA newspaper
County of Alpine, CA official site
State of California official site