History | City of Menifee (2024)

FAQs

What is the history of Menifee, California? ›

Farming activity beginning in the mid-1800s was concentrated in the Menifee area. Mining activity began in the early 1880s with the discovery of a significant quartz lode by miner Luther Menifee Wilson. Menifee derived its name from that mining operation.

Menifee is known for some of its popular attractions, which include: Drop Zone Waterpark. Motte Historical Museum. Painted Earth.

Recognized as one of the Best Cities in 2023 by Inland Empire Magazine and a Top Workplace five years in a row by the Inland News Group, the City of Menifee is constantly striving to live up to our motto of New. Better.

The Menifee Valley was originally called Paloma Valley, Spanish for the word Dove. "Dove Valley," also known as Quail Valley, was once a popular hunting destination in the early 1900s. The local area was originally inhabited by the Luiseño Mission Indians, specifically the Pechanga band.

“Menifee is attracting young families that are clamoring for shopping, dining and entertainment amenities in their own community,” the city says in its economic marketing materials. “As more developers and businesses are discovering this unique situation, Menifee is buzzing as the new 'Boomtown' in the nation.”

Living in Menifee offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Menifee there are a lot of parks. Many families and retirees live in Menifee and residents tend to have moderate political views. The public schools in Menifee are above average.

Race & Ethnicity

The largest Menifee racial/ethnic groups are White (41.2%) followed by Hispanic (40.3%) and Black (6.5%).

The Target store in the Menifee Countryside Marketplace remained closed on Tuesday, Jan. 31, nine days after what police say was an intentionally set fire.

Is Menifee a fast growing city? ›

Menifee has been ranked 5th fastest growing city in California and #1 Boomtown in California (Smart Asset 2023). It also features a young, skilled workforce, with 48% of the population between the ages of 18 and 44, and 61% of the workforce is college-educated. The median age of the population is 36 years.

Taking the 215 to San Diego or LA, you will see a suburb of Riverside County called Menifee, CA. This little city was established in 2008 and now has a population of just over 100,000. It is about 30 minutes southeast of UC Riverside, an hour north of San Diego, or an hour south of Los Angeles.

Old Town San Diego is the city's oldest settled area and the site of the first European settlement in California. Founded in 1769, it's considered the birthplace of modern-day California and includes many well-preserved historic buildings and museums.

However, Menifee is located near several regional active faults —such as the San Jacinto and Elsinore faults—that have the potential to cause strong ground shaking in the area (see Exhibit S-1, Fault Map).