nia is a city located in San Bernardino County, about 50 miles east of Los Angeles. With a population of over 213,000 as of 2022, it is one of the largest cities in the Inland Empire region of Southern California.
Population and Demographics
According to the Wikipedia page for Fontana, the city has grown rapidly in recent decades. In 1980, the population was just under 60,000 people. By 2000 it had nearly tripled in size to over 128,000 residents. The latest population estimate as of 2022 is 213,055.
Fontana has a diverse racial and ethnic makeup. As of the 2020 census, 66.2% of residents identified as Hispanic or Latino. The next largest groups were White (25.1%), Black or African American (10.5%), and Asian (6.5%). There are also small populations of Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander, American Indian, and multiracial residents.
The median age in Fontana is relatively young at 32.6 years old as of 2019. Over 30% of the population is under age 18. Household sizes also tend to be larger than average, with 3.98 persons per household compared to 2.95 statewide in California.
Economy and Major Employers
Historically, Fontana’s economy was driven by agriculture and steel production. The city’s website notes that Fontana was once nicknamed “The City of Steel” due to the presence of a major Kaiser Steel mill that operated from 1942 to 1984. Over the years, the economy has shifted towards logistics and warehousing to serve Southern California.
Today, Fontana has a diverse business composition. According to the Fontana Forward economic development plan, the largest sectors by number of businesses are construction, retail trade, transportation/warehousing, real estate, healthcare, and food services. Top employers in the city include:
- Fontana Unified School District
- Kaiser Permanente
- Aldi Distribution Center
- Target Regional Distribution Center
- United Parcel Service
- Life Touch Church
- Home Depot Distribution Center
- Walmart Distribution Center
The city also has two large auto centers with over 20 dealerships. Logistics and warehousing continue to be major sources of employment and investment. In 2021, Canadian e-commerce company Shopify announced plans for a new 1 million square foot fulfillment center expected to bring 1,000 jobs.
Landmarks
Fontana has several landmarks and points of interest that reflect its history and community:
- The Lewis Library and Technology Center is a combined public library and museum with exhibits on local history and a research archives.
- The Auto Club Speedway is a race track that hosts NASCAR and other motorsports events throughout the year.
- The Center Stage Theater in downtown Fontana offers live entertainment and performances.
- The Miller Park Amphitheater is an outdoor venue that hosts concerts and events.
Visitors can also explore the Fontana Historical Society’s Historic Sites to see significant buildings from Fontana’s early days. This includes the old Santa Fe Rail Depot and the A.B Miller house.
Sports
Residents of Fontana enjoy following the local minor league baseball team, the Inland Empire 66ers. The 66ers are an Angels affiliate that plays at San Manuel Stadium in downtown San Bernardino, about 15 minutes from Fontana. The team name is a reference to historic Route 66 which runs through the region.
For outdoor recreation, the Miller Park Lake offers fishing, camping, and fitness activities like walking trails. The Jessie Turner Health & Fitness Community Center also provides indoor amenities like basketball courts, exercise classes, and swimming pools.
Tourism
Fontana’s location in the Inland Empire makes it a convenient home base for exploring Southern California attractions. It is under an hour from popular destinations like Disneyland, Orange County beaches, Los Angeles, San Diego, and the desert resort cities of Palm Springs and Palm Desert.
The Fontana tourism website highlights regional attractions like Big Bear Lake, Lake Arrowhead, and the scenic Rim of the World Drive. In town, visitors can stop at the Fontana Park and Community Center to access the splash pad, skate park, walking trails and more.
Annual events like the Fontana Days Run and Parade in May and the Fontana Arts Festival in September showcase community spirit. Fontana also has several excellent dining options. Local favorites include Cecilia’s Guatemalan, Casa Gamino, and Molly’s Souper.
Things to Do
Fontana offers plenty of activities and entertainment for visitors and residents:
- Attend auto racing events at the Auto Club Speedway.
- Cheer for the Inland Empire 66ers minor league baseball team.
- Hike or bike the trails around Miller Park Lake.
- Explore exhibits and archives at the Lewis Library and Museum.
- See live performances at the Center Stage Theater.
- Shop, dine, and stroll in the downtown district.
- Tour historic sites like the Santa Fe Depot and A.B. Miller House.
With a diverse population, affordable housing, and a business-friendly environment, Fontana remains well-positioned for continued growth and prosperity in the decades to come.