About Los Molinos CDP, California
Los Molinos is a census-designated place in Tehama County, California, United States. The population was 3,047 at the 2010 census, up from 2,896 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Redding Metropolitan Statistical Area.
The town is located on the Rancho Los Molinos, which was granted to Francisco María Castro in 1844. In 1852, brothers Isaac and William Gibbs bought the rancho from Castro. They divided it between themselves, with Isaac taking the northern half and William the southern half. William’s portion became known as the Rancho San Juan Capistrano de los Molinos.
In 1854, William Gibbs built a flour mill on Mill Creek, which became the town’s namesake. The town developed around the mill and grew rapidly after the arrival of the Southern Pacific Railroad in 1872.
Los Molinos is home to a large number of dairies and cattle ranches. The town is also a center for alfalfa hay production.