Menifee is a city located in Riverside County, California. With a population of over 93,000 as of 2022, Menifee is one of the larger and fastest growing cities in the county. Here is an in-depth look at this thriving city.
Population and Demographics
The population of Menifee has grown rapidly in recent years. In 2000, there were just over 8,000 people living in the city. By 2010, the population had jumped to 77,519 residents. As of 2022, there are an estimated 93,317 people living in Menifee.
Menifee has a relatively young population, with a median age of 36.1 years old. Over 30% of residents are under the age of 18. The racial makeup of Menifee is majority white at around 59% of the population. Hispanics make up the next largest group at around 25%. Other races including Black, Asian, Native American and Pacific Islander make up the remaining percentage.
The average household income in Menifee is $80,363, which is slightly higher than the national median. The home ownership rate is around 70%. Most housing in the city consists of single-family homes, with new housing developments continuing to expand.
History and Economy
Menifee was incorporated as a city in 2008. However, its history stretches back much further as a farming and ranching area. Dairy farming and cattle ranching were important parts of the early economy.
Today, Menifee has a diverse economy made up of industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, retail and construction. Some of the major employers in Menifee include:
- Perris Union High School District
- Kaiser Permanente
- Target
- Palomar Community College District
- Menifee Union School District
Healthcare makes up a large part of the economy, with the Menifee Valley Medical Center as one of the city’s largest employers. Manufacturing and construction industries have grown as the population has increased. Retail is also an important sector, serving the day-to-day needs of residents.
Attractions and Landmarks
As a relatively new city, Menifee does not have a long history of famous attractions or landmarks. However, as the city continues to grow, several notable spots have emerged.
One popular place for outdoor recreation is the Menifee Lakes Country Club, which features an 18-hole championship golf course surrounded by lakes. The Menifee Lakes Community also offers parks, pools, tennis courts and a recreation center for residents.
For history and architecture buffs, the Menifee Valley Historical Museum is worth a visit. Housed in a historic two-room schoolhouse, the museum showcases artifacts and photographs from Menifee’s early days.
Outdoor adventurers will enjoy the Audie Murphy Ranch Hiking Trail, located on a former ranch property in Menifee. The hilly trail offers great views and an abandoned ranch house to explore.
For shopping, dining and entertainment, the Newport Road Marketplace features a variety of restaurants, stores, a movie theater complex and more all in one destination.
Sports
Residents of Menifee stay active by participating in sports leagues and following local high school teams. The city does not have any major professional sports teams.
For youth sports, the Menifee Youth Athletic Associations (MYAA) organizes leagues for sports like baseball, softball, football and basketball. Adults can join city sports leagues for basketball, softball, soccer, and more.
On the high school level, students participate in CIF-governed athletics. The city’s main public high schools include Paloma Valley High School, Heritage High School, and Perris High School. All have varsity football, basketball, baseball, soccer and other sports programs.
Residents also root for nearby professional and college teams, with many supporting the Los Angeles sports franchises as well as universities such as UCLA and USC.
Connecting with the Community
Menifee residents stay up to date on happenings in the city through various community resources. The city government website, www.cityofmenifee.us, provides information on local events, programs, and city council meetings.
The city’s Facebook page also shares community news. Local newspapers like The Press-Enterprise provide news on Menifee. And the city has its own YouTube Channel with videos highlighting city happenings.
For new residents or visitors looking to connect with the community, these resources are a great way to stay informed and get involved in Menifee civic life.