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Murrieta, California

Located in Riverside County, California, Murrieta was established in 1884. Murrieta grew from about 2,200 people in 1990 to over 117,000 — one of the fastest growth rates in California. Natural hot springs have attracted visitors to the area since the 1880s.

Founded 1884 | Population 117,118 | Peak 117,118 (2024) | County Riverside County

Top 10 Most Important Events for Murrieta, California

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1882Hot Springs Resort: Natural hot springs attract visitors; resort built.

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1884Founded by Juan Murrieta: Sheep rancher establishes community in the Temecula Valley.

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2000Suburban Explosion: Population surges from 44K to 100K+ in a decade.

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2008Housing Crisis: Inland Empire hit hard by foreclosures.

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2014Immigration Protest: Residents block buses carrying undocumented immigrants, drawing national media.

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2023Approaches 120,000: Continued southwest Riverside County growth.

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Complete Historical Timeline

1882 Culture

Hot Springs Resort

1884 Culture

Founded by Juan Murrieta

2000 Business

Suburban Explosion

2008 Business

Housing Crisis

2014 Politics

Immigration Protest

2023 Business

Approaches 120,000

Did You Know?

Murrieta grew from about 2,200 people in 1990 to over 117,000 — one of the fastest growth rates in California.

Natural hot springs have attracted visitors to the area since the 1880s.

Murrieta consistently ranks as one of the safest cities in California.

Murrieta is located in Riverside County, California.

Murrieta was founded in 1884.

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