Riverside County is located in the southern part of the U.S. state of California. As of the 2020 census, the population was approximately 2.47 million, making it the fourth-most populous county in California and the 10th-most populous in the United States. It was named for the city of Riverside, which is the county seat.
Riverside County is included in the Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario Metropolitan Statistical Area, also known as the Inland Empire. The county is also included in the Los Angeles-Long Beach Combined Statistical Area. There is a high concentration of sprawling tract housing communities around Riverside and along the Interstate 10, 15, and 215 freeways.
It ranges from the vibrant urban area of Riverside city to the arid Mojave Desert, and includes parts of the Colorado Desert and the Joshua Tree National Park. It also encompasses a number of other natural features including the Santa Ana River and the San Jacinto Mountains.
Agriculture, logistics, and hospitality are the mainsprings of the Riverside County's economy, but it’s also a hub for higher education with the University of California, Riverside, and other institutions based there.
Riverside County has a thriving arts and culture scene, with annual events such as the Riverside International Film Festival and locations like the March Field Air Museum and the Riverside Art Museum.
