Chino

Chino is a city located in San Bernardino County, California with a population of over 89,000 as of 2020 according to the Wikipedia page for the city. It’s one of the larger cities in the Inland Empire region of Southern California.

Population

The population of Chino was 77,983 at the 2010 census. By 2020 it had grown to an estimated 89,797 residents according to Census data. This represents a population growth of over 15% in just one decade.

Chino has seen rapid population growth in recent decades as people move inland seeking affordable housing. The Chino Valley, which includes the city of Chino and its surrounding unincorporated areas, had an estimated population of 166,634 in 2020 showing the extent of urbanization in the area.

History

Chino’s history spans from being inhabited by indigenous Tongva people to being part of Spanish colonial and Mexican land grants in the early 19th century. The city incorporated in 1910 with agriculture and dairies being major early industries.

After World War II, suburban residential development came to the Chino area. The economy shifted with more housing, retail and manufacturing firms locating in the city. Population rapidly expanded from just under 14,000 residents in 1970 to over 77,000 by 2010. Today, Chino is a diverse suburban city with a vibrant mix of residential neighborhoods and businesses.

Economy and Major Employers

Chino has a diverse economic base with major industries including manufacturing, logistics, agriculture and retail. Some of the top employers in Chino include Chino Valley Unified School District, Chino Valley Medical Center, California Institution for Men, Macy’s, and Chino Hills State Park according to the city’s website.

The city has a median household income of over $83,000 which is higher than both the state and national averages according to Census data. Major companies with large distribution centers and factories in Chino include Starbucks, Home Depot, Nordstrom, UPS and Mars Petcare demonstrating the strength of manufacturing and logistics in the local economy.

Landmarks

Some of the most notable landmarks and points of interest in Chino include:

  • Chino Champion Airpark – Home to the Planes of Fame Air Museum with vintage aircraft displays.
  • Ayala Park – Large community park featuring sports fields, swimming pools, and open spaces.
  • California Institution for Men – A state prison that previously operated as a major employer in the city.
  • Chino Youth Museum – Museum covering the history of Chino and the surrounding dairy lands.
  • California Prison Museum – Museum focused on the history of prisons and incarceration located at the former site of a women’s prison.

Sports

Chino is home to a minor league baseball team, the Chino Hills Roadrunners, who play at the Chino Hills Athletic Complex. The Roadrunners are part of the California Collegiate League, a collegiate summer baseball league, and have been playing in Chino since 2012 according to the team’s website.

Many youth and high school sports teams in Chino also serve as a source of hometown pride and recreation for residents. Chino Hills High School is especially known statewide for excelling in basketball and has won multiple state championships.

Government

Chino has a Council-Manager form of municipal government. The city is governed by a five member City Council including the Mayor. Council Members are elected at-large by the entire city. The City Council appoints professional City Manager to oversee the daily operations of the city.

You can learn more about Chino’s city government structure and services on the City of Chino’s website. Residents can also connect with the city government and elected officials through the City of Chino Facebook page.