Murrieta, California, distinguished itself as the safest city in Riverside County in 2012. It also achieved national recognition in 2009 as the second-safest city in the United States among those with populations over 100,000, trailing only Irvine, California.

Economically, Murrieta thrives with diverse employment opportunities. According to the city's 2023 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, the top employers in Murrieta include:

1. Murrieta Valley Unified School District - 2,518 employees
2. Rancho Springs Medical Center - 1,550 employees
3. Loma Linda University Medical Center - 1,158 employees
4. County of Riverside - 907 employees
5. City of Murrieta - 432 employees
6. Target - 410 employees
7. Oak Grove Center - 329 employees
8. Walmart - 304 employees
9. Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital - 194 employees
10. Murrieta Health & Rehabilitation Center - 184 employees

These top employers underscore Murrieta's economic vitality and its appeal as a place to live and work.

Murrieta is also a hub for arts and culture. The Town Square is a central location housing the Murrieta Police Department, Murrieta Public Library, City Hall, a senior center, and a $2 million veterans memorial, reflecting the city’s commitment to community services and honoring its veterans.

Murrieta’s reputation as a safe city combined with its robust employment sector and cultural amenities make it a standout community in Southern California.