Why is This Important?

Population is a basic indicator of the health of a community. New residents moving into the county are important drivers of economic growth and can increase social diversity. At the same time, increased population can deplete natural resources, while changing demographics may increase pressure on public services

Why is This Important?

A sustainable state is one where a community is able to accommodate population growth and changing demographics without negatively impacting quality of life or depleting nonrenewable natural resources.

How Are We Doing?

• San Mateo County's population grew by 1.1 percent, or about 8,300 residents, from 2008 to 2009. As of July 1, 2009, the estimated population of the county was 750,436.

• Total population increased in each city in the county. South San Francisco and Brisbane grew at the fastest rate, both expanding by 2.3 percent in 2009.
• In 2009, the population increase in the county was composed of about 5,000 more births than deaths, and a positive net migration into the county of just under 3,300 individuals.
• Since 2000, most population growth in the county has come from natural growth; there were about 49,600 more births than deaths in the county during that time. Over the same time period, there was an overall net migration out of the county of 6,300 residents. This trend may indicate a continued shift by existing residents to other areas with lower costs of living.

• The county's population continues to be ethnically diverse. In 2010 projections, 43 percent of the county's residents will be White (non-Hispanic), 26 percent Hispanic, and 24 percent Asian, and 3.6 percent African American. Since 2000, the county has seen an increase in Asian and Hispanic residents and a proportionate decrease in White (non-Hispanic) residents.