Rialto is a city located in San Bernardino County, California. With a population of over 99,000 as of 2020, it is one of the larger cities in the Inland Empire region of Southern California.
Population
According to the latest census data, Rialto had a population of 99,171 in 2020. This is a significant increase from the population of 92,498 recorded in the 2010 census. The city has seen steady population growth over the past few decades. Back in 1980, the population was just 39,688.
Rialto has a diverse population with a racial makeup of 66.2% Hispanic or Latino, 19.9% White, 6.9% Black or African American, 2.9% Asian, and 4.1% other races as of the 2020 census. The median age is 32, which is fairly young compared to the U.S. median age of 38.
Economy and Major Employers
Historically, Rialto’s economy was dependent on heavy industry and manufacturing. The city was home to steel mills and food processing plants. While manufacturing is still an important sector, the economy has diversified over the years.
Today, the major employers in Rialto include:
- Walmart
- Eisenhower Medical Center
- Rialto Unified School District
- City of Rialto
- Home Depot
- Target
- Pep Boys
The public sector provides many jobs in education and city services. Retail is another big employer with major retail centers like Renaissance Marketplace located in the city.
Attractions and Things to Do
Despite being largely a residential suburb, Rialto does have some attractions and destinations for visitors:
- Rialto City Hall – Also known as the William G. Holtzclaw Municipal Center, this striking civic building was designed by the famous architect Michael Graves. With its distinctive postmodern style, it’s one of the city’s most iconic structures. Learn more.
- Junior University – This unique museum and education center allows kids and families to explore different careers and occupations hands-on. From archeology to veterinary science, it makes learning about jobs fun. Visit website.
- Rialto Theatre – Built in 1925, this historic movie palace hosts concerts, comedy shows, community events, and more throughout the year. It’s one of the Inland Empire’s classic event venues. Facebook page.
- Renaissance Marketplace – For shopping, dining, and entertainment, this large open-air shopping center features popular retailers like Target, Walmart, and Kohls. Official website.
- Frisbie Park – Rialto’s largest park at 35 acres, Frisbie Park contains picnic areas, playgrounds, a skate park, basketball courts, and a replica of the Liberty Bell. It frequently hosts community events.
Outdoor enthusiasts can also enjoy hiking and biking along the 54-mile long Pacific Electric Trail which runs along the northern edge of Rialto.
Sports
Residents of Rialto are huge supporters of local youth sports leagues and school athletic programs. When it comes to professional sports, many locals root for teams from the nearby cities like the NBA’s Los Angeles Lakers and MLB’s Los Angeles Angels and Dodgers.
The most popular professional team representing the Inland Empire is the AHL’s Ontario Reign ice hockey team which plays at the Toyota Arena located just 10 miles from Rialto.