3.8 million and counting

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