Moraga, California

Moraga, California
source
Name	Moraga
Settlement type	Town
Pushpin label	Moraga
Coordinates	37, 50, 06, N...
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	United States
Subdivision type1	State
Subdivision name1	California
Subdivision type2	County
Subdivision name2	Contra Costa
Established title	Incorporated
Established date	November 13, 1974
Government type	Council–Manager
Leader title	Mayor
Leader name	Dave Trotter
Leader title1	Town Manager
Leader name1	Cynthia Battenberg
Unit pref	Imperial
Area total sq mi	9.43
Area land sq mi	9.43
Area water sq mi	0.00
Area total km2	24.43
Area land km2	24.43
Area water km2	0.00
Elevation ft	499
Elevation m	152
Population total	16870
Population as of	2020
Population density sq mi	auto
Population density km2	auto
Timezone	PST
Utc offset	-8
Timezone DST	PDT
Utc offset DST	-7
Postal code type	ZIP Code
Postal code	94556
Area code	925
Area code type	Area codes
Blank name	FIPS code
Blank info	06-49242
Blank1 name	GNIS feature IDs
Blank1 info	277566, 2411156
Website	https://www.moraga.ca.us/

Moraga, California. Moraga is an incorporated town in Contra Costa County, situated within the San Francisco Bay Area. Nestled in the Lafayette Valley and the Canyon area, it is a primarily residential community known for its affluent character and scenic, semi-rural environment. The town is perhaps best known as the home of Saint Mary's College of California, a private Lasallian liberal arts college.

History

The area was originally part of the vast Rancho Laguna de los Palos Colorados, a Mexican land grant awarded in 1841 to Joaquín Moraga, grandson of the explorer José Joaquín Moraga. Following the California Gold Rush and the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, the land passed through various owners, including the prominent San Francisco businessman Horace W. Carpentier. The Moraga Company, formed by James Irvine and others, began subdividing the land in the early 20th century. The modern town was formally incorporated on November 13, 1974, following a period of rapid residential growth and a community-driven effort to maintain local control over development, distinct from neighboring cities like Lafayette and Orinda.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 9.4 square miles, all of it land. Moraga lies within the eastern foothills of the Berkeley Hills, part of the Pacific Coast Ranges, and is characterized by rolling terrain, oak woodlands, and several seasonal creeks. The town is bordered by Lafayette to the north, Orinda to the west, and unincorporated areas of Contra Costa County to the east and south. Major geographic features include the Moraga Creek watershed and the Las Trampas Regional Wilderness, which provides extensive open space and trails managed by the East Bay Regional Park District.

Demographics

The 2020 census reported a population of 16,870. The population density was approximately 1,789 people per square mile. The racial makeup was predominantly White and Asian, with smaller populations of Hispanic or Latino, Black, and other groups. The town is known for its high household income and educational attainment levels, with a significant proportion of residents holding advanced degrees from institutions like the University of California, Berkeley and Stanford University. The median age is notably higher than the national average, reflecting its stable, family-oriented community.

Economy

Moraga's economy is largely driven by its status as an affluent residential enclave within the San Francisco Bay Area metropolitan economy. There is no major industrial or commercial tax base; instead, local retail and service businesses cater to residents. The Saint Mary's College of California is a significant employer and cultural anchor. A small, centrally located downtown area along Moraga Road features shops, restaurants, and professional services. Many residents commute to employment centers in nearby cities such as Walnut Creek, Oakland, and San Francisco.

Government

Moraga operates under a council–manager form of government. The five-member Town Council is elected at-large to staggered four-year terms, with the mayor selected from among the council members. The council appoints a professional Town Manager to oversee daily operations. For representation at the county level, Moraga is part of Contra Costa County's District 2. At the state level, the town lies within California's 16th State Senate district and California's 14th State Assembly district. Federally, Moraga is part of California's 10th congressional district.

Education

Public education is provided by the Moraga School District, which operates several elementary and middle schools, including Joaquin Moraga Intermediate School. High school students attend Campolindo High School in the neighboring Acalanes Union High School District. Saint Mary's College of California, a private NCAA Division I institution, is a central feature of the town's educational landscape. The college is renowned for its programs in business, education, and the liberal arts, and its athletic teams, the Saint Mary's Gaels, particularly in basketball.

Notable people

Notable individuals associated with Moraga include former NFL quarterback and sports analyst Trent Dilfer, who coached at Saint Mary's; former MLB pitcher and World Series champion Randy Lerch; and actress Molly Ringwald, who attended Miramonte High School. Famed architect Julia Morgan, known for designing Hearst Castle, was involved in early planning for the Saint Mary's College of California campus. Basketball star Matthew Dellavedova, who played for the Saint Mary's Gaels before his NBA career, also has strong ties to the college community.

Category:Towns in California Category:Populated places in Contra Costa County, California Category:San Francisco Bay Area