Mission Viejo is a city located in southern Orange County, California. With a population of over 93,000 as of 2019, it is one of the largest cities in Orange County.
Population
According to the Wikipedia page for Mission Viejo, the city had a population of 93,305 people as of 2019. This makes it the second most populous city in Orange County, after Anaheim. The city has grown rapidly since its incorporation in 1988, when the population was just 46,473.
Mission Viejo is known for its family-friendly neighborhoods and excellent schools, which draw many young families to the area. The median age in Mission Viejo is 36.3 years old. Over 35% of households have children under the age of 18. The city also has a large senior population, with residents aged 65 and older making up over 15% of the population.
Economy and Major Employers
The economy of Mission Viejo is strong, with median household income at over $96,000 as of 2018 according to the city’s website. The unemployment rate was just 2.9% as of 2019.
Mission Viejo has a diverse mix of employers from industries such as technology, healthcare, finance, retail, and manufacturing. Some of the major companies headquartered in Mission Viejo include:
- Flextronics – An electronics manufacturing company
- Mind Research Institute – An educational nonprofit
- Tractor Supply Company – Retail chain
- REMX – Cloud computing company
The city’s central location in southern Orange County and proximity to the 5 Freeway also makes it attractive for regional corporate offices and headquarters. The Shops at Mission Viejo is the city’s biggest shopping center, providing major retail and dining options.
Attractions and Things to Do
Mission Viejo has a variety of attractions and activities for visitors and residents to enjoy:
- Lake Mission Viejo – A man-made lake popular for fishing, boating, and other water sports
- O’Neill Regional Park – Large regional park with trails, a lake, and an equestrian center
- Saddleback College – A community college known for arts programs with a large studio arts complex and theater
- FivePoint Amphitheatre – An outdoor concert and entertainment venue hosting major performers
- Norman P. Murray Community Senior Center – A recreational and event venue focused on seniors and retirees
The city also has several shopping plazas such as The Shops at Mission Viejo, Kaleidoscope, and Mission Viejo Mall. For sports and fitness enthusiasts, there are community recreation centers with pools, gyms, sports fields, and tennis courts located throughout the city.
Sports
Mission Viejo is home to a few sports teams at the youth and collegiate levels:
- Mission Viejo Nadadores – A youth swimming and diving team that has produced Olympic athletes
- Mission Viejo High School Varsity Football – CIF champions in 2016
- Saddleback College Gauchos – With competitive teams across several sports
- LA Galaxy – Mission Viejo is an affiliate and training home of the Major League Soccer team
The city also has a strong Little League program and hosts tournaments at the Mission Viejo Little League regional headquarters. Many youth baseball players have gone on to play professionally in the MLB from Mission Viejo Little League.
Conclusion
With its family-friendly vibe, strong economy, recreational opportunities, and engaged local sports teams, Mission Viejo offers a high quality of life. The city provides easy access to major employment centers in south Orange County while maintaining a small town community feel. For both longtime residents and newcomers, Mission Viejo has something for everyone.