Davis, California

Davis, California
Pi.1415926535 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Name	Davis
Settlement type	City
Pushpin label	Davis
Coordinates	38, 33, 14, N...
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	United States
Subdivision type1	State
Subdivision name1	California
Subdivision type2	County
Subdivision name2	Yolo
Established title	Founded
Established date	1868
Established title2	Incorporated
Established date2	March 28, 1917
Government type	Council–manager
Leader title	Mayor
Leader name	Will Arnold
Leader title1	City Manager
Leader name1	Mike Webb
Unit pref	Imperial
Area total sq mi	10.49
Area total km2	27.17
Area land sq mi	10.49
Area land km2	27.17
Area water sq mi	0.00
Area water km2	0.00
Elevation ft	52
Elevation m	16
Population total	66,850
Population as of	2020
Population density sq mi	auto
Population density km2	auto
Timezone	Pacific
Utc offset	−8
Timezone DST	PDT
Utc offset DST	−7
Postal code type	ZIP Codes
Postal code	95616–95618
Area code	530
Area code type	Area codes
Blank name	FIPS code
Blank info	06-18100
Blank1 name	GNIS feature IDs
Blank1 info	277498, 2409439
Website	cityofdavis.org

Davis, California, is a city in Yolo County and a principal component of the Sacramento metropolitan area. It is most widely recognized as the home of the University of California, Davis, a world-renowned public research university and one of the ten campuses of the University of California system. The city is celebrated for its progressive environmental policies, extensive network of bicycle paths, and vibrant, educated community, earning it a reputation as a hub for innovation and sustainability.

History

The area was originally inhabited by the Patwin people before European settlement. The modern community began in 1868 when the California Pacific Railroad established a station named "Davisville" after local farmer and prominent landowner Jerome C. Davis. The town was officially platted in 1869 and the "ville" was dropped from its name when the Post Office was established in 1907. The city's trajectory changed dramatically in 1905 when the University of California selected the site for its "University Farm," which would evolve into the present-day University of California, Davis. The city was incorporated on March 28, 1917, and its growth has been inextricably linked to the expansion of the university, transforming from an agricultural service town into a major academic and research center.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city encompasses a total area of 10.5 square miles, all of it land. It is situated in the Sacramento Valley, approximately 15 miles west of Sacramento and 60 miles northeast of San Francisco. The terrain is predominantly flat, characteristic of the valley, and is part of the larger Central Valley region. The city is bisected by Putah Creek, which flows from the Coast Ranges to the west, and is bordered by agricultural land, much of it used for research by the University of California, Davis.

Demographics

The 2020 United States Census recorded a population of 66,850. The city's demographics are heavily influenced by the presence of the university, resulting in a relatively young population with a high level of educational attainment. The racial makeup is diverse, with significant Asian, Hispanic or Latino, and White populations. The student population of UC Davis, which exceeds 39,000, is a major component of the city's total population, creating a dynamic and transient demographic character distinct from many other cities of similar size.

Economy

The economy is dominated by UC Davis, which is the city's largest employer and a major economic engine for the entire Sacramento Valley region. The university's affiliated UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento is also a significant employer. Beyond education and healthcare, key economic sectors include scientific research and development, particularly in agriculture, viticulture, and biotechnology, with many startups and companies spun off from university research. The presence of the USDA's Agricultural Research Service Western Human Nutrition Research Center further solidifies its status as an agriscience hub.

Culture and recreation

The city fosters a vibrant cultural scene centered on the university, including the Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts, which hosts world-class music, theater, and dance. The UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden provides extensive public green space along Putah Creek. The city is famous for its commitment to cycling, with over 100 miles of dedicated bicycle paths and bike lanes, and hosts annual events like the Davis Double Century ride. Other notable events include the whole-earth-inspired Whole Earth Festival and the Davis Farmers Market. The city is also home to the Hattie Weber Museum of local history and is a short drive from renowned wine regions like the Napa Valley AVA.

Education

The city is served by the Davis Joint Unified School District, which includes Davis Senior High School. The dominant educational institution is University of California, Davis, a top-tier public research university and a member of the Association of American Universities. UC Davis is globally recognized for its programs in veterinary medicine, agriculture, environmental science, and the biological sciences. The city also hosts a community college campus of the Los Rios Community College District, Sacramento City College Davis Center.

Government

The city operates under a council–manager form of government. The legislative body is a five-member City Council, including a directly elected mayor, currently Will Arnold. The council appoints a professional city manager, Mike Webb, to oversee daily municipal operations. The city is part of California's 4th congressional district, represented in the U.S. House by Mike Thompson. In the California State Legislature, it lies within the 3rd Senate District, represented by Bill Dodd, and the 4th Assembly District, represented by Cecilia Aguiar-Curry.