Ontario, California is a city located in San Bernardino County in the Los Angeles metropolitan area. With a population of over 175,000 as of 2020, it is one of the larger cities in the Inland Empire region of Southern California.
Population
According to the 2020 census, Ontario has a population of 175,841 people. This makes it the 17th largest city in the Los Angeles metropolitan area and the 57th largest city in California. The city has seen steady population growth over the past several decades. Since 1990, the population of Ontario has increased by over 60,000 residents.
Ontario has a diverse population. As of the 2020 census, the racial and ethnic makeup of the city was as follows:
- 66.7% Hispanic or Latino of any race
- 15.1% White
- 7.6% Asian
- 7.0% Black or African American
- 0.1% Native American
- 3.4% Two or more races
Over 70% of Ontario residents speak a language other than English at home, with Spanish being the most common non-English language. There are also sizable Filipino, Chinese, and Vietnamese speaking populations within the city.
Economy and Major Employers
Ontario has a diverse economy with major industries including manufacturing, distribution, healthcare, retail, and entertainment. Some of the top employers in Ontario are:
- Amazon – Over 15,000 employees
- Prime Healthcare – Over 2,000 employees
- CVS Health – Over 2,000 employees
- Turks Automotive – Over 1,500 employees
- FedEx – Over 1,200 employees
Other major employers include companies in industries such as food manufacturing, aerospace, retail, education, and trucking & logistics. The city has worked to attract businesses in recent years by promoting the benefits of Ontario’s location, transportation infrastructure, workforce, and business incentives.
Ontario serves as a major hub for goods movement and transportation in Southern California. Its proximity to major highways, airports, and the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach make it an ideal location for distribution centers and logistics operations. Many national and regional companies have warehouse and distribution facilities in the city.
Attractions and Landmarks
Despite being primarily a suburban community, Ontario offers several attractions and landmarks for visitors:
- Ontario Town Square – This public square in downtown Ontario hosts events and activities year-round.
- Ontario Museum of History and Art – Highlights the history and culture of Ontario and the region.
- Citizens Business Bank Arena – This 11,000 seat arena is home to the Ontario Reign hockey team and also hosts concerts.
- Ontario Mills Mall – One of the largest shopping malls in Southern California with over 200 stores.
- Mt. San Antonio College – A large community college that serves over 30,000 students.
The city also operates a public library system with multiple branch locations, several public parks and golf courses, and other community amenities for residents and visitors.
Sports
Ontario is home to several professional and college sports teams. The most notable is the Ontario Reign, a professional ice hockey team that plays in the American Hockey League. The Reign play at the Citizen’s Business Bank Arena in downtown Ontario and serve as the affiliate to the NHL’s Los Angeles Kings.
Other sports teams based in Ontario include:
- Ontario Storm – Amateur soccer club
- Ontario Blackhawks – Amateur baseball team
- Chaffey College Panthers – Community college athletic program
The city also operates recreational sports leagues for youth and adults such as basketball, volleyball, and flag football.
Local Government
Ontario operates under a council-manager form of government. The city is governed by a five-member City Council, which appoints a City Manager to oversee day-to-day operations. The current City Council members are:
- Paul S. Leon – Mayor
- Ruben Valencia – Mayor pro Tem
- Alan D. Wapner – Council Member
- Jim W. Bowman – Council Member
- Debra Dorst-Porada – Council Member
Residents of Ontario can engage with the city government by contacting City Council members, attending public meetings, and utilizing resources on the city’s website.
Ontario is located within San Bernardino County and represented by the Board of Supervisors. The city is contained within the 31st Congressional District and represented in the US House of Representatives by Pete Aguilar.
Living in Ontario
Ontario provides residents with a high quality of life featuring affordable housing, strong public services, and family-friendly amenities. The city has top-rated schools in the Chaffey Joint Union High School District and Chino Valley Unified School District. Ontario is regarded as a safe community through efforts to maintain low crime rates.
The location of Ontario provides easy access to the job centers of Los Angeles and Orange Counties while maintaining a suburban feel. Residents can enjoy an array of shopping and dining options throughout the city, including the large Ontario Mills outlet mall. Outdoor recreation is available at facilities such as the Whispering Lakes Golf Course and the failure Cycle Park. Annual events like the Ontario International Jazz Festival provide entertainment.
With its growing population and economy, Ontario provides an excellent place to live, work, and visit in the Greater Los Angeles region of Southern California.