Moreno Valley

by The Linguist

With a population of over 210,000 as of 2023, Moreno Valley is the second largest city in Riverside County, California and one of the fastest growing in the state. Nestled in the valley of southern California, Moreno Valley has developed rapidly over the past few decades into a diverse suburban community.

History and Population Growth

The area that is now Moreno Valley was originally inhabited by Shoshone Native Americans. European settlers first came to the valley in the early 1800s. The town of Moreno started as a stop along the railroad in the 1880s and initially grew slowly over the next few decades as an agricultural community known for livestock and citrus production.

In the 1980s, Moreno Valley was approved by Riverside County as part of its general plan to accommodate rapid population growth in Southern California. Residential and commercial development accelerated through the 1980s and 1990s. Moreno Valley was incorporated as a city in 1984 and has seen its population boom since then.

In 1980, Moreno Valley had a population of just over 18,000 residents. By 1990, the population had grown to over 118,000. The rapid growth continued into the 2000s and 2010s. As of the 2020 census, Moreno Valley’s population was over 210,000, making it the second largest city in Riverside County after Riverside.

Geography, Climate, and Layout

Moreno Valley is located about 65 miles east of Los Angeles along Highway 60. It sits in the Moreno Valley, which gives the city its name. The valley is surrounded by several small mountains and hills. Like much of inland Southern California, Moreno Valley has a hot-summer Mediterranean climate, with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters.

Developed largely in the 1980s and beyond, the layout of Moreno Valley is structured around suburban residential and commercial development. Most neighborhoods feature single-family homes, townhouses, apartment complexes, and strip malls. Major shopping centers include the Moreno Valley Mall and TownGate Promenade.

Demographics

Moreno Valley has a diverse population in terms of race, ethnicity, age, and income level. According to the most recent census data, the population of Moreno Valley is:

  • 36% Hispanic/Latino
  • 29% White
  • 16% Black/African American
  • 11% Asian
  • 5% Two or more races
  • 2% Other races

The median age is 32, with over 28% of the population under age 18. Nearly 60% of households are identified as family households. The median household income is around $68,000.

Economy and Major Employers

Initially an agricultural community, Moreno Valley’s economy today revolves around services, manufacturing, and retail. Some of the major employers in Moreno Valley include:

Major business and industrial parks provide locations for companies in medical technology, automotive, and e-commerce industries. The city has designated enterprise zones to attract new businesses and job growth in targeted areas.

Attractions and landmarks

While Moreno Valley is primarily a residential suburb, some attractions and landmarks give visitors a peek into the city’s culture and history. These include:

Sports and Recreation

Outdoor recreation abounds in Moreno Valley with its sunny climate and access to parks, trails, and Lake Perris. Popular sports and teams include:

Government

Moreno Valley is a general law city operating under a council-manager form of government. The city council consists of five members elected to four-year terms. The city council appoints a professional city manager to oversee day-to-day operations. Moreno Valley contracts with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department for police services.

Residents can get involved in local government by contacting elected officials, attending city council meetings, volunteering on boards and commissions, and participating in elections.

Living in Moreno Valley

Moreno Valley offers affordable housing, quality schools, and a great location for Southern California residents. The subtropical climate brings plenty of sunny, warm days year round to enjoy outdoor recreation. Festivals and community events celebrate the diverse culture. Job opportunities can be found in education, healthcare, manufacturing, retail, and logistics.

As one of the Inland Empire’s booming suburbs, Moreno Valley has transformed enormously over the past four decades while maintaining a friendly small town vibe. New residents and businesses continue to be drawn to the convenient Valley location and high quality of life.