Fullerton is a city located in northern Orange County, California. As of the 2010 census, the population of Fullerton was 135,161, making it the 22nd largest city in California.
Brief History
Fullerton was founded in 1887 by George and Edward Amerige and named after George H. Fullerton, who secured the land on behalf of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway. Fullerton was incorporated in 1904 and originally developed as an agricultural center, eventually becoming an important part of Orange County’s thriving citrus industry. The city saw rapid growth in the 1950s and 1960s and has continued to expand, with downtown Fullerton becoming a vibrant urban center.
Demographics
The racial makeup of Fullerton is quite diverse, with Whites comprising 48.1% of the population, Asians at 29.8%, Hispanics at 25.4% and Blacks at 2.3% as of 2019. Fullerton has a large Asian population, including significant communities of Vietnamese, Koreans and Chinese. There are also substantial numbers of people with Mexican, Central American and South American ancestry.
In terms of age demographics, 22.3% of Fullerton residents are under 18 years old, while 13.3% are aged 65 and above. The median age is 36.2 years. Fullerton has slightly more female residents at 50.6% compared to 49.4% males.
The City of Fullerton government website has more detailed demographic statistics and information.
Major Employers and Economy
Some of the top employers and industries in Fullerton include:
- California State University, Fullerton – one of the largest universities in California.
- Fullerton College – a public community college.
- St. Jude Medical Center – provides medical and health services.
- Raytheon – major aerospace and defense technology company.
- Kimberly-Clark – consumer products manufacturing.
- Troy Company – designs and manufactures door hardware.
Other major sectors of the Fullerton economy include retail, education, health services, manufacturing, food services and construction. The city has a well-diversified business environment. For more details on the Fullerton economy and job market, visit the Fullerton Economic Development Corporation.
Transportation
Fullerton is conveniently located near several major transportation links. These include:
- Interstate 5 – providing connections north to Los Angeles and south to San Diego.
- State Route 91 – links to Riverside County and Orange County.
- Amtrak – Fullerton Transportation Center serves Amtrak trains.
- Metrolink – commuter rail system serving the region.
- Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) – operates local bus services.
- John Wayne Airport – located 15 minutes away in Santa Ana.
Higher Education
Fullerton is home to several institutions of higher education, including:
- California State University, Fullerton (CSUF) – enrolls over 40,000 students, making it one of the largest universities in California. Offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in many fields.
- Fullerton College – a public community college founded in 1913 with over 25,000 students annually. Awards associate’s degrees.
- Hope International University – a private Christian university in Fullerton.
- Marshall B. Ketchum University – offers graduate degree programs in optometry and physician assistant studies.
- Southern California College of Optometry – awards Doctor of Optometry (OD) degrees.
- Western University of Health Sciences – offers graduate degree programs in health professions.
The presence of these schools adds an academic and youthful element to the culture and economy of Fullerton.
Parks and Recreation
Fullerton has an abundance of parks and recreational facilities for residents and visitors to enjoy. Some of the most popular include:
- Hillcrest Park – features lighted tennis courts, basketball courts, baseball diamonds and more.
- Laguna Lake Park – fishing, biking, jogging and picnicking around a man-made lake.
- Fullerton Sports Complex – major regional venue for soccer, softball and more.
- Fullerton Museum Center – local history and art exhibits.
- Fullerton Arboretum – gardens with collections of plants from around the world.
- Hiltscher Trail – 28-mile hiking and biking trail circling the city.
With its ideal Southern California climate, Fullerton offers year-round opportunities for outdoor recreation and sports.
Shopping and Dining
Fullerton has many options for shopping, dining and entertainment throughout the city, including:
- Downtown Fullerton – vibrant downtown district with restaurants, boutiques, antique shops, nightlife and art galleries.
- Plummer Auditorium – performing arts theater presenting concerts, plays and cultural events.
- Muckenthaler Cultural Center – estate with gallery, events and exhibit space.
- Brea Mall – large indoor shopping mall with over 180 stores and restaurants.
- Orchard Supply Hardware (OSH) – major hardware retailer with original store located in Fullerton.
- Amerige Park – features baseball stadium home to the Fullerton Flyers minor league team.
- Angel Stadium – home of the Los Angeles Angels baseball team just 10 minutes from Fullerton in nearby Anaheim.
Fullerton’s diversity of cuisines includes Korean, Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, Thai, Mexican and many more options.
Annual Events
Some of the popular annual events in Fullerton include:
- 4th of July Fireworks – Independence Day fireworks display at Fullerton High School.
- Fullerton Market – weekly farmers market with food, crafts and entertainment.
- Car Show and Swap Meet – giant classic car show at the downtown Plaza.
- Fullerton Film Festival – showcases over 100 independent films.
- Halloween Parade – family-friendly marching parade with costumes.
- Day of Music Fullerton – free music performances all around downtown.
These community events attract visitors from all over the region throughout the year.
Housing
Fullerton has a mix of housing options to suit different needs and budgets. Around 60% of homes are single-family detached houses, while 40% are multi-unit buildings such as apartments, condos and townhouses.
The median home price is around $840,000 as of August 2023, having risen substantially in recent years like much of Southern California. Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment averages around $2,200 per month.
New residential and mixed-use developments are being built in Fullerton to accommodate the area’s growing population. The city is fairly built out but has some remaining vacant parcels for additional housing and densification.
Neighborhoods
Some of the major neighborhoods and communities within Fullerton include:
- Downtown Fullerton – vibrant urban center with shops, restaurants, bars and the Fullerton Museum Center.
- College Town – areas surrounding Cal State Fullerton and Fullerton College full of students.
- Amerige Heights – upscale homes in the hills overlooking Fullerton.
- Bastanchury Ranch – new planned community with parks, trails and a nature preserve.
- North Fullerton – residential neighborhoods near Brea.
- South Fullerton – homes near Commonwealth Ave and the 91 Freeway.
Fullerton has a small town feel despite its large population, with distinct neighborhoods and vibrant community pride.
Education
Public education in Fullerton is provided by the Fullerton School District and the Fullerton Joint Union High School District. Fullerton has a total of 24 elementary, middle and high schools.
Some of the top ranked schools according to Niche include:
- Sunset Lane Elementary
- Beechwood Elementary
- Laguna Road Elementary
- Troy High School
- Sunny Hills High School
In addition to its acclaimed public schools, Fullerton has a wide array of private school options. Higher education is centered around Cal State Fullerton and Fullerton College.
Conclusion
Fullerton is a thriving and diverse mid-sized city offering high quality of life, strong economic opportunities, and a vibrant culture and community. The city has developed rapidly over the past century while retaining its small town charm, scenic natural setting and historic downtown. With its ideal location in Orange County and family-friendly atmosphere, Fullerton is likely to remain a desirable place to live, work and visit for generations to come.