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Victorville is a city located in the Victor Valley of western San Bernardino County, California, USA. According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2000 census, the city has a total population of 64,029. The July 1, 2005 population estimate from the U.S. Census Bureau is 91,264.
Geography
Demographics As of 2005, there is an estimated population of 86,473 people, 30,000 households, and 21,000 families residing in the city. The population density is 339.7/km² (879.7/mi²). There are 22,498 housing units at an average density of 119.4/km² (309.1/mi²). The racial makeup of the city is 61.05% White, 11.92% African American, 1.11% Native American, 3.48% Asian, 0.20% Pacific Islander, 16.26% from other races, and 5.98% from two or more races. 33.46% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race. There are 30,000 households out of which 43.8% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.3% are married couples living together, 16.1% have a female householder with no husband present, and 24.0% are non-families. 19.4% of all households are made up of individuals and 8.5% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 3.03 and the average family size is 3.47. In the city the population is spread out with 34.2% under the age of 18, 8.6% from 18 to 24, 28.6% from 25 to 44, 17.4% from 45 to 64, and 11.2% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 31 years. For every 100 females there are 93.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 89.2 males. The median income for a household in the city is $36,187, and the median income for a family is $39,988. Males have a median income of $40,149 versus $26,138 for females. The per capita income for the city is $14,454. 18.7% of the population and 15.3% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 24.6% of those under the age of 18 and 10.6% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line. History In about 1885, the community was known as Victor. It was named after Jacob Nash Victor, a construction superintendent for the California Southern Railroad (Santa Fe Railroad). The town was established as a result of the original railroad station constructed approximately one mile northwest of the narrows of the Mojave River. On January 18, 1886, the Plan of the Town of Victor was prepared which created the grid pattern of the original town. This original subdivision included property between "A" Street through "G" Street and First Street through Eleventh Street. The area encompassed approximately 200 acres or one-third of a square mile. The abundance of good water and the availability of rich bottom lands led to agricultural development shortly after the establishment of the railroad depot. Near the turn of the century, large deposits of limestone and granite were discovered. Since then the cement manufacturing industry has emerged as the single most important industry of the Victor Valley. The New Century: 1900 - 1930 In 1901, the community's name was changed by the United States Post Office from "Victor" to "Victorville" due to the confusion associated with the community of Victor, Colorado. In 1926, U.S. Route 66 was established, which was one of the main arteries of the National Highway System linking Chicago, Illinois, with California. A portion of this famous highway provided a transportation corridor through Victorville, which was unsurpassed until Interstate 15 was constructed. Seventh Street and "D" Street were a part of this national highway. World War II During World War II, on July 23, 1941, initial construction of Victorville Army Airfield, later renamed George Air Force Base, began. The base was completed May 18, 1943. When fully activated, the base supported two Tactical Fighter Wings of the Tactical Air Command whose primary aircraft was the F-4 Phantom. It also employed approximately 6,000 civilian and military personnel. On January 5, 1989, the Secretary of Defense announced the closure of George Air Force Base under the Base Closure and Realignment Act. The base was deactivated December 15, 1992. The former military base was annexed into the City July 21, 1993, and has been renamed Southern California Logistics Airport. About 1895 the town was named Victor after California Southern Railroad General Manager Jacob Nash Victor. In 1901, the United States Postal Service changed the name to Victorville to avoid confusion with the town of Victor, Colorado. In 1926, Route 66 was established and passed through Victorville. Today, the former route is the primary road through downtown Victorville, forming Seventh Street. Victorville Army Airfield was constructed in 1941 and later named George Air Force Base. In 1992, the base was deactivated and is now Southern California Logistics Airport. The city was incorporated on September 21, 1962. On August 14, 1977, actor Ron Haydock was struck and killed while hitch-hiking near Victorville. Today it is the home of the Route 66 Museum and the San Bernardino County Fair. | ||||||||||
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