Winchester, California

Winchester, California is a census-designated place (CDP) located in Riverside County, California. The community is situated in the fertile San Jacinto Valley, and is surrounded by a mix of rural and suburban landscapes.

History

Winchester was founded in 1886 in Pleasant Valley in what was then San Diego County. The town was named after Amy Winchester, widow of the firearm inventor Oliver Winchester. The area was incorporated into Riverside County when it was formed in 1893.

Geography

Winchester is located at 33°43′3″N 117°5′13″W. According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 7.7 square miles, all of it land. The community is located near the San Jacinto River, and is north of Temecula and Hemet.

Demographics

As of the 2010 United States Census, the population of Winchester was 2,534, up from 1,647 at the 2000 United States Census. The population density was 331.4 people per square mile.

Economy

The economy of Winchester is largely based on agriculture, with many farms and vineyards in the area. The community is also home to a number of small businesses and retail outlets.

Education

Winchester is served by the Hemet Unified School District. Schools in the area include Winchester Elementary School, Harvest Hill STEAM Academy, and West Valley High School.

Notable people

• John W. Dean - Former White House Counsel for United States President Richard Nixon.
• Randy Record - Chairman of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California.

See also

• List of census-designated places in California
• Riverside County, California