The city of Exeter is situated at the base of the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. The area has scenic beauty, a thriving business community and a population who take great pride in the town’s heritage, quality housing, good schools and a very low incidence of crime.
Exeter is located on State Highway 65, 2 miles south of Highway 198 and 15 miles east of Highway 99. Exeter is within a 3 to 4 hour drive of both Los Angeles and San Francisco, and 30 minutes from the entrance to Sequoia National Park.
Situated in the middle of California’s agricultural heartland the great San Joaquin Valley, one of the world’s most fertile valleys, Exeter is known for the sweetest oranges in the world. Exeter is also known for its abundant supply of citrus, deciduous fruits, nuts and table grapes.
National recognition was given to Exeter in 2000 as “One of America’sPrettiest Painted Places.” Professional artists have painted huge murals depicting the history and culture of the area on exterior walls throughout the downtown area. There are currently 29 murals in this outdoor art gallery, and move are planned. Group tours can be arranged.
One of the newer facilities in the community is the Exeter Bark Park. The park is becoming a popular gathering spot for residents and visitors alike.
Exeter’s city leaders are determined to retain our small town charm while making room for conservative growth. Exeter has a variety of antique stores, specialty shops, services, restaurants, lodging and a long tradition of annual events and festivals.

History of Exeter

Before the coming of the European settlers, the area that is now Exeter was part of a vast plain where elk, antelope and deer grazed and spring wildflowers bloomed in profusion. Native American Indians made their homes in the oak forest two miles north of the present town. In 1888, as the railroad carved its way through the southern San Joaquin valley, towns grew up along its route. D.W. Parkhurst, representing the Southern Pacific Railroad, bought land from John Firebaugh, an early settler, and the town of Exeter was born, named after Parkhurst’s native Exeter, England.

The development of water resources and the planting of fruit trees and vines brought growth to the little community. The first school was built in 1897, the high school district was organized in 1908, and the residents voted to incorporate in 1911. Exeter is known for growing the sweetest oranges in the world and as the “Citrus Capital of the World”.

In 2011, Exeter celebrated 100 years as an incorporated city. with various events including the planting of a Centennial Time Capsule, a Centennial parade, and a full day of activities in City Park culminating in a concert by the Sons of the San Joaquin. Today, Exeter is a thriving community with a population of 10,324.

Demographics

These statistics courtesy of census.gov/QuickFacts.

Population
Population Estimates, July 1 2021, (V2021) 10,324
Population, Census, April 1, 2020 10,321
Population, Census, April 1, 2010 10,334

Race and Hispanic Origin
White alone, percent 62.5%
Black or African American alone, percent(a) 0%
American Indian and Alaska Native alone, percent(a) 1.4%
Asian alone, percent(a) 6.1%
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone, percent(a) 0.0%
Two or More Races, percent 5.7%
Hispanic or Latino, percent(b) 47.3%
White alone, not Hispanic or Latino, percent 43.7%

Population Characteristics
Veterans, 2017-2021 466
Foreign born persons, percent, 2017-2021 14.0%

Families & Living Arrangements
Households, 2017-2021 3,175
Persons per household, 2017-2021 3.24

Education
High school graduate or higher, percent of persons age 25 years+, 2017-2021 83.8%
Bachelor’s degree or higher, percent of persons age 25 years+, 2017-2021 14.3%

Income & Poverty
Median household income (in 2021 dollars), 2017-2021 $55,519
Per capita income in past 12 months (in 2021 dollars), 2017-2021 $24,579
Persons in poverty, percent 22.0%

Businesses
All employer firms, Reference year 2017 238
Men-owned employer firms, Reference year 2017 137
Nonminority-owned employer firms, Reference year 2017 178

Maps of Exeter

General Plan Map
Urban Development Boundry Map
Exeter City Limits Map
Exeter Address Map (April 2013)
Exeter Zone Map (December 2021)