Redding is a city located in Northern California. With a population of 97,609 as of 2021, it is the 7th largest city in California and the largest in the northern part of the state.
Population and Demographics
According to the Wikipedia page for Redding, the city had a population of 89,861 as of the 2010 census. The July 2021 population estimate was 97,609. Redding is the largest city in the Shasta Cascade area.
The racial makeup of Redding is approximately 87.5% White, 1.8% African American, 5.6% Native American, 2.6% Asian, 0.2% Pacific Islander, and 5.1% from two or more races. 19.4% of the population is Hispanic or Latino of any race.
The median age in Redding is 36.8 years old. 24.4% of the population is under 18 years old, while 13.8% is 65 years and over.
Compared to the overall population of California, Redding has a higher percentage of White residents and a lower percentage of Hispanic/Latino and Asian residents.
History and Economy
Redding was first settled in the 1800s as a stopping point along the Siskiyou Trail. It was named after railroad man Benjamin B. Redding and incorporated in 1903. For many years, Redding’s economy was fueled by the lumber industry due to its proximity to rich forest land.
Today, some of the major employers in Redding include:
- Mercy Medical Center Redding – healthcare
- Shasta Regional Medical Center – healthcare
- Redding School District – education
- Electrolux Home Products – household appliances manufacturing
- VCA Animal Hospitals – veterinary care, 600+ employees
Other major industries include retail, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. Unemployment in Redding as of June 2022 was approximately 5.2%.
Some recent economic developments include the construction of a new Turtle Bay Exploration Park campus focusing on water resources education. There are also initiatives to revitalize downtown Redding with mixed-use development.
Attractions and Landmarks
Some of the most popular attractions and landmarks in Redding include:
- Shasta State Historic Park – restored mining town with museums, shops, exhibits
- Turtle Bay Exploration Park – museum/outdoor area with botanical gardens, trails, more
- Cascade Theatre – historic art deco theater in downtown Redding
- Sundial Bridge at Turtle Bay – glass bridge over Sacramento River designed by Santiago Calatrava
The Sundial Bridge is one of the most iconic landmarks in Redding due to its unique design and engineering. It links the north and south campuses of Turtle Bay Exploration Park.
Sports and Recreation
Popular recreational activities in Redding include hiking, biking, swimming, boating, and fishing due to the city’s proximity to the Sacramento River, Whiskeytown Lake, Shasta Lake, and other waterways.
Redding does not have any major professional sports teams. Some of the local sports teams include:
- Redding Colt 45s – collegiate summer baseball team
- Redding Giants – amateur baseball team
- Redding Rage Rugby Football Club – rugby union team
These and other local teams provide entertainment and recreation for both participants and spectators. The Colt 45s in particular have a strong local following and frequently sell out their games at Tiger Field.
Government
Redding is governed by a city council/city manager system. There are five council members elected to four-year terms on a rotating basis every two years. The vice mayor is selected among the council members each year.
The City of Redding government website provides information about city services, departments, ordinances, permits, utilities, and more.
Things to Do
Some of the top attractions and activities in Redding include:
- Hiking – Whiskeytown Lake, Sacramento River Trail, other parks/preserves
- Water sports – swimming, boating, fishing on local waterways
- Museum tours – Turtle Bay Exploration Park, Shasta State Historic Park
- Shopping & dining downtown
- Farmer’s Market – Saturdays on Yuba Street
- Concerts/performing arts – Cascade Theatre, Redding Civic Auditorium
- Wineries – Mantle Ranch, Monet Wines, Mountain Gate Vineyards
Popular annual events include Kool April Nites (classic car show), Redding Rodeo, Fourth of July Freedom Festival, and holiday light displays at Turtle Bay Exploration Park.
For more ideas and listings of local events, check out the Visit Redding Facebook page.