About Yorba Linda

Yorba Linda is located in north Orange County with a population of approximately 68,0000 residents. 

History

Yorba Linda, known as the “Land of Gracious Living” is a city with a strong sense of community and small-town character. The “Yorba Linda” name originated from Jose Yorba, a member of a Spanish expedition. In 1907, portions of the former Yorba lands were sold to the Janss Corporation, who then subdivided the property and named the new town “Yorba Linda” (“Yorba” after the early land grant family and “Linda” meaning pretty in Spanish). Early residents came to Yorba Linda with the intent of operating small farms, constructing numerous ranch houses, and planting citrus groves. The construction of the Pacific Electric Railroad line between Yorba Linda and Los Angeles established an important transportation link providing growers a more efficient means to deliver their produce to major markets. Soon after, two packing houses were built adjacent to the railroad station and the center of the community was established. 

Growth

During the 1920s, Yorba Linda continued to grow and prosper with agriculture as the main industry of the local economy. Several new commercial structures were built on the town’s Main Street but the overall character of the community remained primarily agricultural. The Depression of the 1930s brought an economic slowdown to the city, but the local population remained stable and the agricultural economy continued to be productive. During the post-World War II era, the city retained its small-town character, and only experienced the tremendous population growth felt by other surrounding cities from the previous two decades in the 1960s.

Incorporation

Yorba Linda, once a small agricultural community of two-and-a-half square miles with approximately 1,198 residents, began its transformation into a modern community with its incorporation on November 2, 1967. During that decade, the population increased by 890%, reaching 11,856 in 1970, with the city adopting a General Plan for municipal development in 1972. Yorba Linda’s population of 28,254 in 1980 experienced a surge in 1990 with over 52,422 residents. Growth has slowed since, with just over 68,000 residing in the City.

Today

Today, Yorba Linda comprised of 20 square miles, remains a suburban community characterized by mostly residential family neighborhoods, key commercial centers, parklands and open space, multi-use trails, and important historic resources. Recognized as one of the “100 Best Places to Live” in the United States, Yorba Linda continues to uphold its shared values of responsible growth, preservation of existing neighborhood character, and conservation of natural resources. 

Today’s residents enjoy: 

  • Black Gold Golf Club
  • Equestrian center
  • A multi-purpose Community Center
  • A state-of-the-art Cultural Arts Center
  • Multi-use recreational facilities
  • An award-winning Public Library
  • Richard Nixon Library and Birthplace
  • The Susanna Bixby Bryant Ranch Museum
  • Veteran’s memorial

Safe neighborhoods, high property values, award-winning schools, investment in public infrastructure, strong leadership, visionary planning, public and private partnerships, an engaged community, and an exceptional quality of life all continue to lay the foundations for Yorba Linda’s success, which has and will continue to characterize our community for decades.