Rancho Cucamonga is a city in San Bernardino County, California, located about 40 miles east of Los Angeles. With a population of over 175,000 as of 2021, it is one of the largest cities in the Inland Empire region of Southern California.
History
The area now known as Rancho Cucamonga was originally inhabited by indigenous peoples, including the Tongva, Serrano, and Kizh tribes. In the early 19th century, the land was granted by the Mexican governor to Tiburcio Tapia as the 13,000-acre Rancho Cucamonga. The land was primarily used for cattle grazing. After California became a state, the land changed hands several times before being purchased by Isaias Hellman and divided into multiple farms and communities.
In the 20th century, the small agricultural communities began to urbanize, with the incorporation of the city of Rancho Cucamonga in 1977. The city continued to expand in population and economic activity in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Today, Rancho Cucamonga retains traces of its historic past while also being a modern suburban city.?
Economy and Major Employers
Rancho Cucamonga has a diverse economy, with major industries including retail, healthcare, manufacturing, education, and logistics. Some of the top employers in Rancho Cucamonga include:
- Amazon – The region’s largest warehouse and distribution facility is located here.
- Inland Empire Health Plan – Regional health insurance provider headquartered in Rancho Cucamonga.
- ESRI – International supplier of GIS software and geodatabase management applications.
- Chaffey College – One of California’s leading community colleges.
- Toyota – North American Parts Center located in Rancho Cucamonga.
The city also has large retail sectors, with the Victoria Gardens lifestyle center, Ontario Mills mall, and many other shopping centers providing major retail and dining options. Logistics hubs include office parks and industrial complexes along the I-15 and I-10 freeways.?
Attractions and Things to Do
Rancho Cucamonga offers many attractions and recreational activities for visitors and residents, including:
- Epicenter – Sports and entertainment complex featuring minor league baseball (Rancho Cucamonga Quakes), arena football, concerts, restaurants, and more.
- Victoria Gardens – Upscale outdoor lifestyle center with shops, dining, entertainment, and events.
- Parks – Miles of trails, sports fields, and facilities including the James L Brulte Senior Center and Goldy S. Lewis Community Center.
- Rancho Cucamonga’s Wine Trail – Award-winning wineries like Joseph Filippi Winery, Europa Village, and Galleano Winery.
Outdoor recreation options include hiking and biking on trails such as the Pacific Electric Inland Empire Trail. Popular annual community events include the fireworks show on July 4th and the Grape Harvest Festival in the fall.
Sports Teams
Rancho Cucamonga is home to several professional and minor league sports teams, most notably baseball’s Rancho Cucamonga Quakes. The Quakes are a Class A-Advanced minor league affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers and play at LoanMart Field. Rancho Cucamonga FC is a soccer club founded in 2018 that plays at Chaffey College.
In the past, Rancho Cucamonga had minor league hockey and arena football teams play at the Epicenter. The city also boasts an extensive system of recreational sports leagues for youth and adults.
Demographics
According to recent estimates, Rancho Cucamonga has a population of approximately 180,000 residents. It is ethnically diverse, with about 43% Hispanic/Latino residents, 37% non-Hispanic white, 11% Asian American, and 7% African American. The median household income is above average for California, at over $80,000.
Notable demographic facts about Rancho Cucamonga:?
- 50th largest city in California by population
- 3rd largest city in San Bernardino County
- Among the fastest growing cities in California over the past decades
- Has a relatively young population, with a median age of 34
Rancho Cucamonga’s location, economic opportunities, and quality of life make it an attractive community for many families and individuals in the region. The city will likely continue to grow in coming decades.
Government
Rancho Cucamonga has a Council-Manager form of government. The City Council consists of the Mayor and four Council Members, who are elected at-large by the voters. The City Council appoints a professional City Manager to oversee the daily operations of the city and implement policies. The current Mayor of Rancho Cucamonga is L. Dennis Michael.
Residents can engage with local government and stay updated on issues and events in Rancho Cucamonga by following the city’s Facebook page, visiting the city website, or attending City Council meetings.
Living in Rancho Cucamonga
Rancho Cucamonga offers a high quality of life for residents. Education is a priority, with top-rated public schools in the Etiwanda School District, Chaffey Joint Union High School District, and Chaffey College. New housing developments continue to expand options. The city has low crime rates and many opportunities for work, shopping, dining, and recreation.
The city has a diverse array of neighborhoods, from historic rural communities like Alta Loma to new master-planned developments like Terra Vista. The foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains provide scenic views and opportunities for outdoor recreation. Rancho Cucamonga’s location provides easy access to employment centers in Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties.
Rancho Cucamonga continues to evolve as a leading suburb in Southern California, focused on economic growth, education, and maintaining a high quality of life for its residents.