Menifee
cityMenifee is a rapidly growing city located in Riverside County, California, part of the Inland Empire region. Situated in the Menifee Valley, it's about 15 miles north of Temecula and just north of Murrieta. Incorporated in 2008, Menifee has transformed from a largely undeveloped area to a thriving suburban community. The city's population was 102,527 at the 2020 census and is estimated to be around 123,952 in 2026. Menifee's economy is diverse, with major employment sectors including healthcare, retail trade, and construction. While historically residents traveled to nearby cities for work and shopping, Menifee is experiencing substantial commercial growth, attracting new businesses and residents. This growth is fueled by a demand for more retail, dining, and entertainment options within the community. Menifee offers a blend of suburban living with access to outdoor recreation and a growing sense of community. Named after miner Luther Menifee Wilson, the city's history is rooted in farming and mining, evolving into a modern city with a focus on family-oriented amenities and a high quality of life. Menifee is also recognized as one of the safest cities in California.
Menifee, California
- Classification
- City
- FIPS Code
- 06-46842
- Country
- United States
- County
- Riverside
- Region
- Inland Empire
- Elevation
- 1,424 ft
- Total Area
- 46.62 sq mi
- Land Area
- 46.48 sq mi
- Water Area
- 0.15 sq mi
- Latitude
- 33.69083
- Longitude
- -117.185
- Climate
- Menifee has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters. It enjoys plenty of sunshine throughout the year, with an average of 263 sunshine days and about 12.51 inches of rainfall annually.
- Notable Features
- Menifee Hills · Bell Mountain · Diamond Valley Lake · Lake Matthews
- Neighboring Areas
- Perris · Canyon Lake · Lake Elsinore · Wildomar · Murrieta · Winchester
- Population (2020)
- 102,527
- Est. Population (2026)
- 123,952
- Median Age
- 38.1
- Median Income
- $93,454
- Poverty Rate
- 9.53%
- Family Households
- 74.1%
- Owner-Occupied
- 73.5%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- Menifee is an ethnically diverse city. The racial makeup includes White, Hispanic or Latino, Black or African American, Asian, and other races.
- Government Type
- Council-Manager
- Governing Body
- City Council
- Body Size
- 5 members
- School District
- Menifee Union School District (K-8), Perris Union High School District (9-12)
- Municipal Services
- Police · Fire · Public Works · Parks & Recreation · Community Services
- Unemployment Rate
- 8.4%
- Economic Profile
- Residential/Suburban · Commercial Growth
- Employment Sectors
- Health Care & Social Assistance · Retail Trade · Construction
- School Districts
- Menifee Union School District · Perris Union High School District
- Transportation
- Interstate 215 · Public Transportation
- Utilities
- Municipal Water · Southern California Edison · Fiber/Broadband
- Major Facilities
- Hospitals
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Diamond Valley Lake · Lake Mathews-Estelle Mountain Reserve · Gale Webb Action Sports Park
- Parks & Trails
- Wheatfield Park · Lazy Creek Recreation Center and Park · Audie Murphy Sports Park
- Founded
- 1850
- Incorporated
- 2008
- Named After
- Luther Menifee Wilson
- Historical Significance
- From its roots as an area inhabited by the Luiseno people, Menifee has evolved from a farming and mining area to a growing suburban city in Riverside County.
- Key Events
- 1850: Annexed by the United States · Early 1880s: Mining operations began · Early 1960s: Development of Sun City · October 1, 2008: Officially incorporated as a city