RANK #732 / 996 · POP 2,180,563 · CA
PROJECTED GROWTH: -0.2%
San Bernardino County, California, the largest county by area in the contiguous United States, is often recognized for its diverse landscapes, from the peaks of the San Bernardino Mountains to the vast Mojave Desert. A notable landmark, the historic Route 66, runs through the county, with sites like vintage motels and diners preserving its legacy. Located within the Inland Empire, the county is approximately 60 miles east of Los Angeles. Commute options include Metrolink rail services, which connect to Los Angeles and Ontario International Airport, and various rideshare and vanpool programs. The community offers extensive outdoor recreation, including hiking and camping in the San Bernardino National Forest, fishing and boating at Silverwood Lake and Lake Gregory, and exploring Joshua Tree National Park.
Life in San Bernardino County offers a blend of suburban and rural living. Towns like Rancho Cucamonga are known for their schools and recreational opportunities, while Redlands features historic architecture and community events. The county's economy is driven by sectors such as logistics, manufacturing, and healthcare. Recent developments include a new high-speed rail link to Las Vegas with a station in Rancho Cucamonga, and large-scale master-planned communities like Silverwood in Hesperia, which will include thousands of homes and significant open space. The county also supports small business development, including programs for minority entrepreneurs.
Overvalued relative to economy
Above national median
Prices declining
Above national median (13x)
Housing looks overvalued at 9.1x — home prices are high relative to local economic output. Climate and geography support a structural premium. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
San Bernardino County has a Boom Town Index score of 26/100, ranking #732 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +0.8% and a median household income of $77,423, it faces some economic headwinds compared to faster-growing counties.
The median home value in San Bernardino County is $438,000 with median rent at $1,584/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.1768, which is less affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +0.4% year-over-year. Job growth: +0.8%. Home values changed -1.9% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 3.34% of San Bernardino County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.