April 2005 Archives

According to the latest population estimates just released by the U.S. Census Bureau, Inland Southern California once again led the state in population growth as both Riverside and San Bernardino counties ranked in the top 5 in the number of new residents. Together, the two counties added nearly 150,000 residents between July 2003 and July 2004, giving the Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario PMSA a total population of 3.79 million (a 150% increase since 1980).

Growing counties
Los Angeles Times

Numerically speaking, Riverside County was 2nd in the nation in new residents added (89,128) while San Bernardino County ranked 5th (58,936). Topping the list -- which is typically dominated by counties with large populations -- was Maricopa County (Phoenix) with 112,233 new residents. Los Angeles ranked 3rd (77,357) while Clark County (Las Vegas) was 4th (75,285).

Percentage-wise, Florida dominated with 14 counties placing among the Top 100 fastest-growing counties in the U.S. With a growth rate of 5%, Riverside County ranked 39th, leading all large counties (1 million plus population) nationwide in percentage gains. Nevada's Clark County (4.8%) was the only other large county to make the list, which is typically dominated by counties with small population bases.

2004 County Population Estimates
San Bernardino County - 1,921,131
Riverside County - 1,871,950

Related

• Los Angeles Times - Inland Empire Is True to Its Name
• U.S. Census Bureau - 14 Florida Counties Among 100 Fastest-Growing

Since 1980, Inland Southern California's population has more than doubled from 1.5 million residents to 3.6 million (Census - 2003 county estimates). If ranked separately, it would be country's 13th most-populous region (sandwiched between Miami and Seattle metro areas).

Along with such phenomenal growth has come large jumps in other demographic stats, such as job growth, median income, taxable sales, and of course, median home prices.

Though the region still lags a bit in a few key aspects relative to some areas of Greater Los Angeles, the new demographics beginning to rise locally are likely to surprise many Southern Californians when compared with better-known cities of Los Angeles and Orange counties:

Related

• The Business Press - Inland Empire shifting to quality growth