Hemet is a city located in the San Jacinto Valley in Riverside County, California. With a population of over 80,000 as of the 2010 census, it is the largest city in the San Jacinto Valley.
Population
The population of Hemet was recorded as 43,000 in the 1980 census. By 1990 it had grown to 58,812 and in 2000 the population was up to 63,590. The 2010 census recorded a population of 78,657, showing significant growth in the preceding decades.
Hemet’s population is projected to continue growing in the coming years. Estimates predict the city will reach over 90,000 residents by 2030. This growth can be attributed to the affordable cost of living, good schools and hospitals, and abundance of recreational activities available in Hemet.
Age Distribution
According to the city government website, the current age distribution in Hemet is:
- 24% under age 18
- 7% aged 18 to 24
- 26% aged 25 to 44
- 22% aged 45 to 64
- 21% aged 65 and older
This breakdown shows a sizable segment of retirement-age residents. However, young families are also well represented, with nearly a quarter of the population under 18.
Race and Ethnicity
The racial and ethnic makeup of Hemet is:
- 68% White
- 5% Black or African American
- 1% Native American
- 5% Asian
- 38% Hispanic or Latino of any race
There is a significant Hispanic/Latino minority group within the city. Other races such as Black/African American and Asian represent smaller segments of the Hemet population.
Housing
The housing stock in Hemet consists of:
- 64% single family homes
- 36% multi-unit structures
The majority of households are occupied by homeowners, with a 65% homeownership rate. The median value of owner-occupied houses is $167,400 as of 2011.
Education
Hemet is served by the Hemet Unified School District. The district operates 18 elementary schools, 4 middle schools, and 5 high schools. There are also several alternative and adult education centers.
For higher education, there is a satellite campus of Mt. San Jacinto College located in Hemet. Nearby colleges include the University of California, Riverside and California State University, San Bernardino.
Economy and Major Employers
Historically Hemet was an agricultural community focused on citrus crops like oranges, lemons, grapefruit and tangerines. While agriculture is still present, today Hemet has a diverse economy made up of retail, healthcare, education and other industries.
According to the Hemet tourism website, some of the top employers in the city are:
- Ethan Allen Furniture
- Target
- Hemet Unified School District
- Walmart
- Valley Health System
Other major companies with offices in Hemet include Ingram Micro and Amazon. The retail sector provides many jobs, as evidenced by major chains like Target and Walmart being top employers.
Income
The median household income in Hemet is $30,150 as of 2011 estimates. This is significantly below the national median income of $50,502 for the same time period.
However, the cost of living is lower than average in Hemet. Housing and other expenses tend to be very affordable compared to nearby areas.
Poverty Rate
According to census data, 27.5% of the population in Hemet lives below the poverty line. This compares to a 15.3% poverty rate for the entire United States.
The higher than average poverty rate indicates there are challenges with unemployment and low-paying jobs in the city. However, there are several assistance programs available to help struggling residents.
Crime Rate
Hemet has a higher than average crime rate compared to other California cities and national crime stats. The total crime risk index is 5 out of 100, meaning Hemet is safer than 5% of American cities.
The number of annual crimes per 1,000 residents is:
- 7.56 violent crimes
- 26.61 property crimes
While crime statistics can appear high, Hemet maintains a dedicated police force to promote public safety in the community.
Transportation
The major roads running through Hemet are State Route 74 and State Route 79. These connect to Interstate 215 which provides access to Riverside and San Diego.
Public transportation is provided by the Hemet Valley Transit District. This operates several bus routes throughout the city and surrounding areas.
Air travel is available via the Hemet-Ryan Airport, a municipal airport located on the southeast side of the city. The nearest international airport is Ontario International, about 50 miles from Hemet.
Things to Do
Hemet offers many recreational opportunities for visitors and residents. Outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and boating can be enjoyed in and around the San Jacinto Valley. The community is also home to several public parks and golf courses.
For entertainment and culture, the Hemet Performing Arts Center hosts theater productions, musical performances, and other events. The Western Science Center museum is also located in Hemet.
Each winter, the Ramona Pageant takes place at the Ramona Bowl amphitheater. This yearly production retells the story of Ramona, known as California’s official outdoor play. The pageant has run since 1923, making it the longest running outdoor play in the United States.
Popular local attractions include:
- Diamond Valley Lake – man-made reservoir popular for boating and fishing
- Simpson Park – 61 acre community park with sports fields, playgrounds, and walking path
- Shellbark Golf Course – 18 hole championship golf course
- Boulder Ridge Golf Club – scenic 18 hole golf course with spectacular views
Sports
The primary local sports team is the Hemet Hots, a minor league baseball team. They are part of the California Collegiate League and play at the Hemet Sports Complex.
Youth sports like soccer, football, baseball, and swimming are also popular in Hemet. The City operates recreational sports leagues and programs for children and teens.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Lake Hemet offers fishing for rainbow trout, largemouth bass, catfish, and bluegill. There are also many regional parks with hiking, mountain biking, and horse trails.
Summary
With a growing population now surpassing 80,000 residents, Hemet is an up-and-coming city in California’s Inland Empire region. It provides an affordable cost of living with close proximity to job centers like Los Angeles and San Diego.
Hemet has a diverse economy with major employers in retail, manufacturing, education, and healthcare. While poverty and crime rates are higher than average, the city actively works to support disadvantaged residents and improve public safety.
From outdoor recreation to a thriving arts scene, Hemet offers a high quality of life for residents and visitors. The city has a bright future as it continues to grow and develop in the coming decades.