Homes, Downtowns, and the Next Chapter — How the Inland Empire Is Building Forward
Growth in the Inland Empire isn't only about more people arriving. It's also about the places we're creating for them to live, work, and belong.
Lainland Editorial
Building Forward
From housing surge to downtown revival—the IE is creating complete communities where people want to live, work, and belong.
Create a cinematic 16:9 image of the Inland Empire showing new apartment buildings, revitalized downtown streets with shops and restaurants, mixed-use developments, and families in walkable neighborhoods.
Explore More InsightsA Region Learning to Grow With Intention
In the last few years, city skylines, neighborhood edges, and downtown streets have all been changing — not overnight, but steadily enough that longtime residents can feel the difference.
The IE is in a rare position for Southern California: it still has space to build. What's new is that cities across the region are using that space to shape a future that is more connected, more walkable, and more locally complete.
Even in a state where housing projects often slow down, Riverside County became a standout in 2025. It added 6,096 new apartment units, a 154% jump from 2024, ranking among the top apartment-building counties in the entire United States.
Building Forward, Not Just Outward
6,096
New Units
Apartment units added in Riverside County (2025)
+154%
Growth Rate
Year-over-year increase in housing development
5.5%
Downtown Growth
Inflation-adjusted earnings growth in downtown Riverside since 2020
Housing growth is only half the story. The other half is where life is happening. Downtown Riverside offers a clear snapshot of the Inland Empire's new rhythm, with similar energy emerging in other IE city centers.
The Apartment Boom That's Turning Heads
Even in a state where housing projects often slow down, Riverside County became a standout in 2025. It added 6,096 new apartment units, a 154% jump from 2024, ranking among the top apartment-building counties in the entire United States.
That surge signals something important: the Inland Empire is not waiting for housing solutions to arrive from somewhere else. It's actively adding options for first-time renters, young professionals, and growing families.
Demand Is Real — and Staying Power Is Strong
Strong absorption rates show people are committing to IE neighborhoods
Building alone doesn't matter unless people want to live here. The Inland Empire multifamily market shows durable demand. In 2024, the region absorbed over 3,000 new apartment units, one of the strongest years in two decades.
Healthy absorption alongside new construction means people aren't just testing out the IE. They're committing to it. They're putting down roots, enrolling kids in schools, and joining local communities.
Downtowns Are Coming Back to Life
Downtown Riverside offers a clear snapshot of the Inland Empire's new rhythm. Since 2020, inflation-adjusted earnings in downtown Riverside have grown about 5.5%, outpacing many comparable districts.
You can see similar energy in other IE downtowns: new coffee spots and eateries, local retail that feels curated, street-level festivals, and mixed-use projects that make neighborhoods feel like destinations.
What This Growth Means
Housing Surge
Riverside County: 6,096 new apartment units in 2025, a 154% increase from 2024, ranking among top US counties.
Strong Absorption
Over 3,000 new apartment units absorbed in 2024, one of the strongest years in two decades for the IE market.
Downtown Growth
Downtown Riverside earnings grew 5.5% since 2020 (inflation-adjusted), outpacing many comparable districts.
Complete Communities
More housing choices plus revived downtowns create walkable neighborhoods where daily life feels more complete.
The Next Chapter
The most encouraging part of this story is that it's already in motion. Homes are rising. Downtowns are filling back in. New neighborhoods are forming around schools, parks, and local business corridors.
The Inland Empire is proving that growth doesn't have to mean losing your identity — it can mean expanding opportunity while keeping community at the center.
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