Tustin is a city in Orange County, California with a population of around 80,000 residents. Known for its rich history and thriving business community, Tustin offers residents and visitors a high quality of life and plenty of amenities. Keep reading to learn more about this dynamic city.
Population and Demographics
As of the 2020 census, Tustin had a population of 80,357 people. Tustin is ethnically diverse, with a makeup of approximately 44.8% White, 31.6% Hispanic/Latino, 14.5% Asian, 3.6% Black, and 5.5% other or mixed race. The median age is 36.2 years old.
Tustin has seen steady population growth over the past few decades. Since the 2000 census, the population has grown by over 20,000 residents. Future projections expect the population to continue growing at a rate of 0.9% annually.
History and Local Attractions
The land where Tustin sits today was originally home to the Tongva and Acjachemen indigenous tribes. Spanish settlers arrived in the area in the late 1700s, with Mexican land grants establishing the first large ranches. In the 1860s, Columbus Tustin purchased 1,300 acres of this ranch land and began developing it into an agricultural community. In 1927, two subdivisions combined to incorporate as the City of Tustin.
Today, Tustin retains reminders of its rich history. The Tustin Area Museum features exhibits on the city’s Native American, Spanish, Mexican, and pioneer heritage. Other landmarks include the Columbus Tustin Park, St. Columban Catholic Church, and the Tustin Ranch Golf Club.
Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy biking 45+ miles of trails, playing sports at parks, and exploring nearby wilderness areas. The Discovery Cube Orange County and Bowers Museum offer interactive educational experiences for families.
Economy and Major Employers
Tustin has a strong and diverse business community. Top industries include professional services, manufacturing, retail, healthcare, construction, and technology. Many corporate headquarters and regional offices are located within the city. According to the city’s website, the top employers in Tustin are:
- Tustin Unified School District
- Costco
- AT&T
- Kaiser Permanente
- Toshiba
Recent years have also seen an uptick in the city’s creative economy, with more than 1,800 people employed in arts and cultural occupations. Tustin’s business parks provide 34+ million square feet of office, industrial, and retail space.
Government
Tustin has a council-manager form of government. The city is governed by a five-member City Council including the mayor, with council members serving staggered four-year terms. The City Council appoints a City Manager to oversee day-to-day municipal operations and administration.
Residents can learn more about the city’s leadership, services, events, and more on the City of Tustin’s website.
Sports
Tustin residents are passionate sports fans who root for their hometown teams as well as pro teams from nearby Anaheim and Los Angeles. The city is home to the Tustin Red Hawks, a collegiate summer baseball team playing at the stadium on the Tustin Ranch Golf Club grounds. The Red Hawks have won multiple championships in their league.
Youth sports like soccer, baseball, and swimming are also popular in Tustin. Fans enjoy following the MLB’s Los Angeles Angels and Anaheim Ducks NHL team based in neighboring cities.
Living in Tustin
Known for its quiet residential neighborhoods, award-winning schools, and proximity to job centers like Irvine and Newport Beach, Tustin is a desirable community for families and professionals. The city offers a high quality of life with a vibrant local economy, abundant amenities, and engaged residents.
With its rich past and focus on a thriving future, Tustin is an excellent place to live, work, and visit in Orange County.