San Mateo County, California

San Mateo County, California
Name	San Mateo County
Settlement type	County
Subdivision type	State
Subdivision name	California
Established title	Founded
Established date	1856
Seat type	County seat
Seat	Redwood City
Largest city	Daly City
Area total sq mi	744
Area land sq mi	448
Area water sq mi	296
Population total	764,442
Population as of	2020
Population density sq mi	auto
Timezone	Pacific
Utc offset	-8
Timezone DST	PDT
Utc offset DST	-7
Blank name sec1	Congressional district
Blank info sec1	14th, 15th, 16th
Website	www.smcgov.org

San Mateo County, California. Located on the San Francisco Peninsula, it is a central part of the San Francisco Bay Area and borders the City and County of San Francisco to the north and Santa Clara County to the south. The county seat is Redwood City, while its most populous city is Daly City. Known for its affluent communities, significant technology sector, and diverse natural landscapes, the county is a major economic and cultural hub.

History

The area was originally inhabited by the Ohlone people for thousands of years before Spanish exploration. In 1769, the Portolá expedition passed through the region, leading to the establishment of the Mission San Francisco de Asís and the Presidio of San Francisco. Following the Mexican War of Independence, the land became part of Rancho grants, such as Rancho de las Pulgas and Rancho Cañada de Raymundo. After the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo and the California Gold Rush, the region saw rapid growth, leading to its official separation from San Francisco County in 1856 under a bill signed by Governor J. Neely Johnson. The arrival of the Southern Pacific Railroad and the development of estates like Filoli and the Ralston Hall at Notre Dame de Namur University marked its Gilded Age prosperity. The 1906 San Francisco earthquake caused significant displacement and population growth in the county, and the post-World War II era saw the rise of suburban developments and the early technology industry along the Bayshore Freeway.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 744 square miles, with 448 square miles of land and 296 square miles of water. Its western boundary is defined by the rugged coastline of the Pacific Ocean, featuring landmarks like Montara Mountain and Pillar Point Harbor. The eastern side borders the San Francisco Bay, including the Port of Redwood City. The Santa Cruz Mountains run through the peninsula, with significant peaks including Sweeney Ridge and areas within the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Major water bodies include the Crystal Springs Reservoir, part of the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission water system, and San Andreas Lake. The county contains several unincorporated communities and is traversed by major faults like the San Andreas Fault.

Demographics

The 2020 United States Census recorded a population of 764,442. The racial and ethnic composition is diverse, with significant populations of Asian Americans, Hispanic and Latino Americans, and Non-Hispanic whites. Cities like Daly City have large Filipino American communities, while East Palo Alto has a notable African American population. The median household income is among the highest in the United States, with affluent communities such as Atherton, Hillsborough, and Woodside. Educational attainment is high, with a large percentage of residents holding bachelor's degrees or higher, supported by proximity to institutions like Stanford University and San Francisco State University.

Economy

The economy is heavily driven by the technology and life sciences sectors, with a strong presence in the Silicon Valley corridor. Major corporate headquarters and offices include those of Meta Platforms in Menlo Park, Oracle Corporation in Redwood Shores, and Roblox in San Mateo. The San Francisco International Airport, although located in the county, is owned and operated by the City and County of San Francisco and is a major employment center. Venture capital firms, such as those concentrated on Sand Hill Road, and biotech companies contribute significantly. Other important sectors include healthcare, with institutions like Mills-Peninsula Medical Center and Kaiser Permanente, and retail, anchored by shopping destinations like the Hillsdale Shopping Center and Serramonte Center.

Government

The county operates under a Council–manager government system, with a five-member Board of Supervisors and a County Executive appointed by the board. The current County Executive is Mike Callagy, and law enforcement is provided by the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office under Sheriff Carlos G. Bolanos. The county is part of multiple Congressional districts, represented in the United States House of Representatives by members including Anna Eshoo, Kevin Mullin, and Ro Khanna. At the state level, it is represented in the California State Legislature by senators such as Josh Becker and Scott Wiener and several members of the California State Assembly. The county also hosts a branch of the United States District Court for the Northern District of California in San Mateo.

Culture and recreation

The county offers diverse cultural venues and outdoor activities. Performing arts are centered at the Fox Theatre in Redwood City and the San Mateo Performing Arts Center. Museums include the Hiller Aviation Museum and the San Mateo County History Museum in the old Redwood City courthouse. Annual events feature the San Mateo County Fair and the Fiesta de las Rosas in Half Moon Bay. Recreational areas are extensive, including coastal access at Half Moon Bay State Beach, trails in Edgewood Park and Natural Preserve, and the Sawyer Camp Trail along the Crystal Springs Reservoir. The county's parks system, managed by the San Mateo County Parks Department, and portions of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area provide significant open space.

Category:San Mateo County, California Category:California counties Category:San Francisco Bay Area