<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE FORM
10-K FOR THE TWELVE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS
ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<CIK> 0000765880
<NAME> HEALTH CARE PROPERTY INVESTORS, INC.
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1996
<CASH>                                           2,811
<SECURITIES>                                         0
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<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 753,653
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                                0
<BONDS>                                        379,504
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
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<OTHER-SE>                                     308,128
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   753,653
<SALES>                                              0
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<CGS>                                                0
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<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                 6,826
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              26,401
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 60,641
<INCOME-TAX>                                         0
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             60,641
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<NET-INCOME>                                    60,641
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     2.12
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     2.12