Where is Murrieta, California, U.S.

Written and Fact-checked by | Updated On: May 11, 2026

Where is Murrieta, California Located in the United States? - Murrieta is a city located in the Riverside County in California, United States. Murrieta lies between 33.5539 Degrees North latitudes and -117.2139 Degrees West longitudes.

Location Map of Murrieta, Riverside, California

Where is Murrieta Located in Riverside, California

About Map: The map shows the location of Murrieta in Riverside County, in the U.S. state of California.

Murrieta Map, California, USA

About Murrieta Map: This Google Map provides a detailed view with zoom, satellite, and street options to explore the area and its surroundings.

About Murrieta, Riverside County, California

Murrieta is located in Riverside County in the U.S. state of California, United States. It lies in the southern part of the state in the state of the United States within the Inland Empire region. The city was incorporated in 1991 and was named after Juan Murrieta, a Californio rancher who settled in the area, and it has grown into a residential community with expanding commercial and healthcare services.

Population

According to the United States Census Bureau, the population of Murrieta is 110,949 as recorded in the 2020 Census, and the population density is approximately 3,300 people per square mile.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, Murrieta covers a total area of approximately 33.6 square miles (about 87.0 square kilometers), including about 33.6 square miles (87.0 square kilometers) of land and a minimal amount of water area.

Location and Surroundings

Murrieta is situated north of Temecula and south of Menifee, positioned between Los Angeles and San Diego in Southern California. The city features rolling hills, residential neighborhoods, and open spaces that contribute to its suburban character. Interstate 15 and Interstate 215 provide major transportation routes connecting Murrieta to surrounding communities and regional employment centers.

Top Attractions

Murrieta offers parks, sports facilities, and community events that support outdoor recreation and family activities. Popular destinations include the Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve nearby, local golf courses, and various neighborhood parks. The city is also home to Mt. San Jacinto College’s nearby campus services, contributing to higher education access in the region.

Transportation

Murrieta is primarily served by Interstate 15 and Interstate 215, providing convenient access to Riverside County and neighboring metropolitan areas. Public transportation includes regional bus services connecting to nearby cities. The nearest major airport is Ontario International Airport, located approximately 50 miles to the north.

Explore more cities in California or visit the United States Map section to learn more about the country’s geography.

Sources:

Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the Official Murrieta City Website.

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Murrieta, California Quick Facts

AttributeInformation
CityMurrieta
CountyRiverside County
StateCalifornia
State CapitalSacramento
US RegionWest (Pacific)
Latitude33.5539° N
Longitude117.2139° W
Elevation1,050 ft (320 m)
Land Area35.79 sq mi
Water Area0.00 sq mi
Total Area35.79 sq mi
Population (2020 Census)110,949
Population DensityApproximately 3,099 per sq mi
ZIP Codes92562, 92563
Area Code951
Time Zone StandardPacific Standard Time (PST, UTC−8)
Time Zone DaylightPacific Daylight Time (PDT, UTC−7)
CurrencyUnited States Dollar (USD)
FIPS Code06-50076
Congressional DistrictCalifornia's 48th Congressional District

Transportation and Connectivity in Murrieta

CategoryInformation
Airport NameFrench Valley Airport
IATA CodeRBK
Nearest Major AirportSan Diego International Airport
Regional AirportOntario International Airport
Major HighwaysInterstate 15, Interstate 215, California State Route 79
Train/Amtrak ServiceMetrolink commuter rail service from nearby stations
Local Transit ServiceRiverside Transit Agency (RTA)
  • Interstate 15 – Major north–south freeway connecting Murrieta with San Diego, Temecula, and the Inland Empire.
  • Interstate 215 – Important regional highway connecting Murrieta with Riverside and San Bernardino areas.
  • California State Route 79 – Historic route serving southwestern Riverside County communities.
  • French Valley Airport provides general aviation services near Murrieta.

Top Places to Visit in Murrieta, California

Landmark NameType
Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological ReserveNature Preserve
Tenaja FallsNatural Attraction
Murrieta Hot SpringsHistoric Landmark
Mulligan Family Fun CenterAmusement Park
California Oaks Sports ParkSports Complex
Bear Creek Golf ClubGolf Course
Los Alamos Hills Sports ParkPark and Recreation Area
Harveston Lake ParkLake Park
French Valley Heritage ParkCommunity Park
Old Town MurrietaHistoric District

Driving Distances from Murrieta, California to Nearby Cities

CityStateDistance (mi)Approx. Drive Time
TemeculaCalifornia815 minutes
MenifeeCalifornia1520 minutes
Lake ElsinoreCalifornia2025 minutes
RiversideCalifornia4550 minutes
San DiegoCalifornia651 hour 15 minutes
AnaheimCalifornia651 hour 15 minutes
Los AngelesCalifornia851 hour 40 minutes
IrvineCalifornia551 hour
Palm SpringsCalifornia701 hour 20 minutes
San BernardinoCalifornia551 hour

Colleges and Universities Near Murrieta, California

Institution NameTypeLevelNotable For
Mt. San Jacinto College – Menifee Valley CampusPublicCommunity CollegeAssociate degrees, transfer programs, and career education
California State University San MarcosPublicUniversityBusiness, education, science, and professional programs
University of California, RiversidePublicUniversityResearch, engineering, sciences, and graduate studies
Palomar CollegePublicCommunity CollegeCareer training and transfer education
California Baptist UniversityPrivateUniversityBusiness, health sciences, engineering, and liberal arts

Waterbodies Near Murrieta, California

Murrieta Creek, Santa Margarita River, Lake Skinner, Diamond Valley Lake, Vail Lake, and nearby southwestern Riverside County waterways.

Stadiums and Sports Facilities in Murrieta

Murrieta Valley High School Stadium, Vista Murrieta High School Stadium, Murrieta Mesa High School athletic facilities, California Oaks Sports Park, and community recreation centers.

Murrieta, California — Key Historical Facts

  • Murrieta's history began in the late nineteenth century when Juan Murrieta established a large sheep ranch in the valley area. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
  • The arrival of the Southern California Railroad in 1882 helped create a town center around the railroad depot and encouraged early growth. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
  • Murrieta became known for its natural hot springs, which supported the development of the Murrieta Hot Springs Resort during the early twentieth century. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
  • The community remained relatively small until major transportation improvements, including Interstate 15 development, encouraged rapid suburban growth. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
  • Murrieta officially incorporated as a city on July 1, 1991, following decades of population growth and development. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
  • Today, Murrieta is recognized for its residential communities, schools, healthcare facilities, parks, and location between Los Angeles and San Diego metropolitan areas. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

References

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