08/15/2026
3 Reasons to Consider Buying in the Inland Empire
1. A Growing Population Creates Long-Term Housing Demand
The Inland Empire continues to attract residents looking for more attainable housing than many coastal Southern California markets. Riverside and San Bernardino Counties have a combined population of roughly 4.7 million people, and California projections indicate both counties are expected to continue growing through 2030.
More people means continued demand for housing, services, businesses, and infrastructure.
2. A Large and Diversifying Economy
The Inland Empire is one of Southern California's major employment centers, supported by logistics, transportation, healthcare, education, construction, manufacturing, and other industries. The region had approximately 1.72 million nonfarm jobs as of June 2026, with employment up 0.6% year over year.
The economy is not without challenges, but the region's large labor force and expanding population provide a substantial economic base for long-term growth.
3. More Home for Your Dollar
One of the Inland Empire's biggest advantages is housing value relative to the coastal markets. In June 2026, the median price per square foot was approximately $336 in Riverside County and $334 in San Bernardino County.
That means buyers can often obtain more living space for their budget than they would in many Los Angeles, Orange County, or coastal markets.
The bottom line: If you're looking for a combination of population growth, economic activity, and more housing space for your money, the Inland Empire remains a market worth considering.