School rankings in the 80th and 90th percentiles, top 20 percent in the state. High school opened in 1999, fairly new. Another elementary school to be built in a few years. 

Overall crime rate about suburban average. Zero homicides in 1995, one in 1994, and for preceding years, three, two, one, one and one. The state in 1996 counted 12,968 housing units, of which 7,259 were single detached, 779 single attached, 4,036 multiples, and 894 mobile homes. Population in 1996 was estimated at 34,802. 

"Brea" means tar in Spanish, black gooey stuff that oozed out of the hills and suggested the presence of oil. Brea  
got its first boom in 1898 when oil wells sprouted and in 1917 the town incorporated as a city. 
 

Eight parks, cultural center, three golf courses, Mall centers (one opened in 1996), three regional parks Seniors center. Scouts. Boys and Girls Club. Little the; do double duty as parks and playgrounds. Typical  California State University located in neighboring Full  Town encourages family events: concerts in park (events, games), community service. 
 

Chamber of commerce, (714) 529-4938.