State Ranks Lake Elsinore Third Fastest Growing City In California

Lake Elsinore is the third fastest growing city in California.

The city’s population increased 4.23 percent in the last year, growing from 53,183 residents in 2012 to 55,430 residents in 2013, according to a report released by the state Department of Finance. Santa Clarita in Los Angeles County and Dublin in Alameda County topped the list with a population increase of 15.4 percent and 6.76 percent, respectively. 

Mayor Bob Magee said he wasn’t surprised by the report’s figures, and noted that Lake Elsinore was also listed as third fastest growing city in California in 2007.

“This isn’t a fluke; this is a pattern,” Magee said.

City Manager Grant Yates said new single-family housing starts have been a factor in the city’s growth spurt. In the last five years, Lake Elsinore averaged 239 starts, and the city is estimating more than 700 in the current fiscal year, which ends June 30. Lake Elsinore estimates more than 800 single-family housing starts in the next fiscal year, Yates said.

“Those are significant numbers,” Yates said. “That shows that the Lake Elsinore community is really ready to start moving in a very positive direction with high-quality residential projects coming in.”

Magee said the city’s schools and long-term planning, including master-planned communities like Canyon Hills and Summerly, have attracted new residents.

“We have the available land and we have a business-friendly climate here,” Magee said. “We have planned for this growth.”

As Lake Elsinore’s population has grown, the city has also taken steps to ensure the infrastructure and public services can meet the demand, Magee said. He pointed out that with the Rosetta Canyon Fire Station set to open July 1, Lake Elsinore will soon have four fire stations within its city limits.

“That’s about planning for the future—having a smart and responsible fiscal plan and building to support the growth that we want to see in our valley,” Magee said.

From its own Minor League Baseball team and outlet mall, to a natural freshwater lake and a variety of there is also a lot to do in Lake Elsinore, city officials added.

“We have a wonderful quality of life here,” said city analyst Cathy Barrozo. “Where else can you go to the lake, watch a baseball game, go to motocross and skydive? We just have everything there is to do. It doesn’t surprise me that people are moving here.”

Magee added, “There’s no reason why you wouldn’t want to come here and raise your family.”