Menifee is a city in Riverside County, California, United States, and is part of the Inland Empire.

[6] Named after a local miner, Luther Menifee Wilson, it was settled in the 19th century, and incorporated as a city in 2008.

In the 18th century, the area fell under Spanish rule and was ceded by Mexico to the United States in 1848 as a result of the Mexican–American War.

[9][10] Wilson discovered a gold-bearing quartz ledge near present day Holland and Murrieta roads in 1883, and filed a claim with the San Diego County Recorder’s office for this new “Menifee” mine.

Sun City is located in the northwestern part of Menifee and features a mix of residential and commercial activity.

However, a lack of resources such as industry-oriented occupations and high-density retail and commercial businesses caused many residents to drive to cities such as Temecula or Murrieta to shop, dine, or work.

In recent years, however, there has been substantial growth in Menifee, attracting many new residents from all areas of Southern California such as San Diego, Orange County and Los Angeles, as well as other parts of the Inland Empire.

On June 3, 2008, the residents of the communities encompassing the Menifee area voted to incorporate together to form Riverside County's 26th city.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city covers an area of 46.6 square miles (120.7 km2), 99.70% of it land, and 0.30% of it water.

[26] As of July 2024, Menifee is a part of California's 41st congressional district, with Republican Ken Calvert serving as its representative.

[40] Mann resigned office early after being formally censured by city council, and Greg August served as acting mayor for 20 days until Winter was sworn in.

[44] After 60 days, Bill Zimmerman was elected Mayor of Menifee in a 3-1 decision by the city council, on July 18, 2018.

University of Massachusetts Global has opened on the MSJC campus to offer Menifee its first four-year college.

RTA Routes 27, 40, 61, and 74 directly serve the Menifee area, linking it to other nearby cities including Temecula, Lake Elsinore, Hemet, and San Jacinto.

Metrolink serves the area via the 91/Perris Valley Line, which ends at the South Perris Station, just north of the Menifee city limits.

[56] Metrolink has proposed an extension along existing railroad tracks through the northeastern corner of the city to Hemet,[57] though it is unknown whether there will be a station in Menifee.

The Menifee Lakes station also has a truck company located there with specialized equipment for large structural fires.

Paramedic services are provided by American Medical Response, whose South Riverside Headquarters are located in Menifee.