Riverside, California, has seen notable demographic and cultural changes over the past decades. According to the 2010 U.S. Census, the city's population grew to 303,871, reflecting a significant increase from 255,166 in 2000. The racial composition has evolved, with Hispanic or Latino residents making up 49% of the population, while non-Hispanic Whites declined to 34%, a stark contrast to 82.1% in 1970. The city's diversity is further highlighted by its 7.4% Asian, 7% African American, and 1.1% Native American populations.

Household structures have also shifted, with 91,932 households recorded in 2010. Nearly 42.4% had children under 18, while 49.4% were married couples, and 15.1% were female-led households. The average household size was 3.18, and the median age stood at 30 years, reflecting a youthful demographic.

Economic data showed a median household income of $56,403, yet 17.5% of residents lived below the poverty line. Homeownership was prevalent, with 55.6% of the population living in owner-occupied units, while 40.6% were renters.

Religiously, Riverside remains predominantly Christian, with Protestantism (43%) and Catholicism (22%) as the leading faiths. Other religious groups include members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (3%), Jehovah’s Witnesses (2%), and Eastern Orthodox (1%), while 25% identified as non-religious. The city is also home to a diverse array of places of worship, including mosques, synagogues, Hindu temples, and Buddhist temples.

One of Riverside’s long-standing traditions is the annual Easter Sunrise Service on Mount Rubidoux, the nation’s oldest continuous non-denominational outdoor Easter celebration, held since 1909. Another key religious event is the Our Lady of Guadalupe procession, which commemorates Juan Diego’s vision of the Virgin Mary in 1531.

A major controversy arose in 2012 regarding the cross atop Mount Rubidoux, which stood on city-owned land. Facing legal challenges over the separation of church and state, the Riverside City Council sold the 0.43-acre plot to a private entity for $10,500, ensuring the cross remained in place under private ownership.

As Riverside continues to grow, its evolving demographic and religious makeup shape the city's identity, reflecting broader cultural trends in Southern California.