Definition
Muscoy is an unincorporated community and census‑designated place (CDP) located in San Bernardino County, in the Inland Empire region of Southern California, United States.
Overview
Muscoy lies approximately 5 mi east of the city of Fontana and about 10 mi north of the city of San Bernardino. According to the 2020 United States Census, the CDP had a population of roughly 12 800 residents. The community occupies an area of about 2.7 square miles (7.0 km²), all of which is land, and sits at an elevation of roughly 1 020 feet (310 m) above sea level. Muscoy is part of the Greater Los Angeles metropolitan area and is served primarily by the Fontana Unified School District. The local economy is predominantly residential, with many residents commuting to employment centers in the surrounding Inland Empire and Greater Los Angeles.
Etymology/Origin
The origin of the name “Muscoy” is not definitively documented. It is likely derived from the name of an early landowner or developer associated with the area’s agricultural settlement, but accurate information is not confirmed.
Characteristics
- Geography: Muscoy is situated in the San Bernardino Valley on the north‑western edge of the San Gabriel Mountains. The terrain is generally flat to gently rolling.
- Climate: The community experiences a semi‑arid Mediterranean climate (Köppen Csa), with hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters. Average annual precipitation is around 12–14 inches (300–350 mm).
- Demographics: The population is diverse, with a majority Hispanic or Latino presence, reflecting broader demographic trends in the Inland Empire. Household sizes tend to be larger than the state average, and the median age is in the early thirties.
- Economy & Land Use: Historically, Muscoy was agricultural, featuring orchards and row‑crop farms. Modern land use is largely residential, with single‑family homes, mobile home parks, and limited commercial services.
- Transportation: Major roadways near Muscoy include State Route 210 (Foothill Freeway) and State Route 57 (Orange Freeway). Public transit is provided by the Omnitrans bus system, connecting the community to Fontana and San Bernardino.
- Education: Public education is administered by the Fontana Unified School District, which operates several elementary schools, a middle school, and high schools serving Muscoy residents.
Related Topics
- San Bernardino County, California
- Inland Empire (California)
- Fontana, California
- Census‑designated places in California
- Greater Los Angeles metropolitan area
- California’s Mediterranean climate zone