Top 10 Fastest Growing Cities in California

California is home to beautiful beaches, a vibrant arts and entertainment scene, and stunning nature. It’s no surprise that California is the most populous state in the United States, with around 39 million people calling it home. If you’re considering moving to “The Golden State” but don’t know where to move, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 fastest growing cities in California that saw the most significant population increase over a 5-year span from 2017 to 2021. Consider forgoing Los Angeles, San Francisco, or San Diego for these 10 cities that made our list.

#1: Menifee, CA 

Median sale price: $575,000
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $2,272
Menifee, CA homes for sale
Menifee, CA apartments for rent

Taking the number one spot on our list is Menifee, CA. This city is best known for its agricultural history. Menifee currently has a population of about 106,400, which is an increase of 18% from 2017. There are many reasons why people are moving to Menifee: a handful of parks, including E. L. Pete Peterson Park, La Ladera Park, Spirit Park, and many unique restaurants like Breakfast House Los Tejabanes, Provecho Grill, and Sapporo Sushi.

#2: Beaumont, CA

Median sale price: $540,000
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $1,995
Beaumont, CA homes for sale
Beaumont, CA apartments for rent

Beaumont, CA is best known for its fruit, specifically cherries. The city hosts a famous Cherry Festival each year, a four-day celebration consisting of rides, booths, entertainment, and the best food and drinks the city offers. Beaumont is number two on our list of the fastest growing cities in California, with an 18% increase to its current population of nearly 55,300 people. 

There are a lot of exciting things to do for those living in Beaumont,  such as lounging at Fallen Heroes Park, Palmer Park, and Noble Creek Regional Park, grabbing a bite to eat at Marla’s, Tacos & Beer, and Beaumont Cafe Country Kitchen or watching a show at Beaumont Music Centre.

#3: Dublin, CA

Median sale price: $1,425,000
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $3,909
Dublin, CA homes for sale
Dublin, CA apartments for rent

The population of Dublin, CA is about 71,700, an 18% increase.

Dublin, CA, is best known for being named after Dublin in Ireland. The city has countless activities to do that are sure to keep you entertained. If you are hungry and want to grab a delicious bite to eat, check out Pacific Catch, Urban Plates, and Amakara. Afterward, you can stroll through one of the many parks like Emerald Glen Park, Fallon Sports Park, and Kolb Park. 

#4: San Jacinto, CA

Median sale price: $482,500
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $1,450
San Jacinto, CA homes for sale
San Jacinto, CA apartments for rent

Known for its excellent mountain scenery, San Jacinto, CA, takes number four on our list. San Jacinto’s population is around 55,300, accounting for a 15% increase.

There are a lot of fun activities for those living in San Jacinto, from checking out Hafliger Park, Rancho Park, and Belicia Park to grabbing a bite to eat at Delgado’s Restaurant, Emilio’s Restaurant, and Juan’s Rotisserie Chicken. If you love the arts and entertainment, be sure to check out San Jacinto City Museum and MSJC Performing Arts.

#5: San Ramon, CA

Median sale price: $1,715,000
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $2,920
San Ramon, CA homes for sale
San Ramon, CA apartments for rent

Looking for a new city to call home? Consider moving to San Ramon, CA. The city is best known for its gorgeous location and is full of trees and scenic views of Mount Diablo. It is the fifth fastest-growing city in California. The city’s population increased by 15% to around 87,000 residents. 

If you want to know what there’s to do in San Ramon, try one of these local favorites: playing sports at Central Park, Rancho San Ramon Community Park, and San Ramon Athan Downs,  watching a show at the Dougherty Valley Performing Arts Center or eating a delicious meal at Poke Don, Mendocino Farms, and Ukai Japanese Bistro.

#6: Eastvale, CA

Median sale price: $908,000
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $2,920
Eastvale, CA homes for sale
Eastvale, CA apartments for rent

Sixth on our list is Eastvale, CA, which is known for being one of the newest cities in Riverside County. The city was incorporated in 2010. There are many great places to explore in Eastvale, such as trying delicious food at Luna Grill, Lucky Kitchen, and Yoshiharu Ramen or strolling through McCune Family Park, Cedar Creek Park, and Orchard Park.

Eastvale currently has a population of nearly 71,400, which is a 15% increase. 

#7: Rocklin, CA

Median sale price: $715,000
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $2,494
Rocklin, CA homes for sale
Rocklin, CA apartments for rent

Want to move to Rocklin, CA? Known for its rolling hills and panoramic mountain views, Rocklin has a population of about 73,000, which is a 13% increase since 2017.

Wondering what to do in Rocklin, CA? You can explore museums like Sierra College Natural History Museum and Rocklin Historical Society & Museum or enjoy a day at Johnson-Springview Park, Whitney Community Park, and Twin Oaks Park. Be sure to taste the local cuisine at Kathrin’s Biergarten, Granite Rock Grill, and Noma Sushi & Ramen, and later on, catch a show at the Amphitheater At Quarry Park.

#8: Clovis, CA

Median sale price: $480,000
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment:$1,643
Clovis, CA homes for sale
Clovis, CA apartments for rent

Coming in at eighth on our list is Clovis, CA. The city is best known for being the Gateway to the Sierra as it sits at the base of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. It saw an increase of 13% to its current population of about 123,000. If you want to know what’s there to do in Clovis, you should check out one of the many parks in the city, such as Sierra Bicentennial Park, Railroad Park, and Pasa Tiempo Park. In addition, be sure to grab a bite to eat at House of JuJu, Neighbors Cook House, and Carrillo’s Mexican Food for a taste of what the city offers. If you like learning new things, visit Big Dry Creek Museum.

#9: Roseville, CA

Median sale price: $675,000
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $2,580
Roseville, CA homes for sale
Roseville, CA apartments for rent

Known for being the commercial and retail hub of the region, Roseville, CA, comes in ninth on our list. The city is home to around 151,900 residents, a 12.46% increase since 2017. 

There are many activities for those living in Roseville, CA. You can take a walk at Maidu Regional Park, Royer Park, and Kaseberg Park. If you are a foodie, check out Q1227 Restaurant, Bennett’s Kitchen Bar Market, and Buck & Sadie’s. If you love arts and entertainment, be sure to pay a visit to Opera House Saloon, Maidu Museum & Historic Site, Carnegie Museum, and Roseville Telephone Museum.

#10: Irvine, CA

Median sale price: $1,220,000
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $3,690
Irvine, CA homes for sale
Irvine, CA apartments for rent

The last city on our list is Irvine, CA. Irvine is known for being the economic center of Southern California. There was an 11.97% increase in population to its current population of nearly 309,000. 

There is no shortage of fun in Irvine, CA, from parks like William R Mason Regional Park, Heritage Community Park, and Mike Ward Community Park Woodbridge to museums like Pretend City Children’s Museum and Jack & Shanaz Langson Institute & Museum of California Art. If you want to grab some food, visit Fukada, Habana, and CAVA, and afterward, you can catch a show at Goldfield.

Methodology: Population growth was calculated over a 5-year span (2017 vs. 2021). Only cities with a population of over 50,000 were used, as anything smaller is considered a town. Population data sourced from the United States Census Bureau. Median home sale price data from the Redfin Data Center during July 2022. Average rental data from Rent.com during July 2022.