San Diego County

San Diego County
County
County of San Diego
Skyline of San Diego
Location in the state of California
Country	United States
State	California
County seat	San Diego
Area
• Total	4,526 sq mi (11,720 km2)
• Land	4,207 sq mi (10,900 km2)
• Water	319 sq mi (830 km2)
Population  (2020)
• Total	3,338,330
• Density	740/sq mi (280/km2)

San Diego County is a county located in the southwestern corner of the state of California, in the United States. It is the southwesternmost county in the contiguous United States. With a population of approximately 3.34 million as of the 2020 census, it is the second-most populous county in California, following Los Angeles County, and the fifth-most populous in the United States. The county seat is the city of San Diego, which is also the second-largest city in California and the eighth-largest in the United States.

Geography

San Diego County encompasses a diverse range of landscapes, including miles of coastline, arid deserts, and mountain ranges. The county's total area is 4,526 square miles, of which 4,207 square miles is land and 319 square miles is water. Notable geographical features include the Laguna Mountains, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, and the Cleveland National Forest.

History

The area that is now San Diego County has been inhabited for more than 12,000 years by the Kumeyaay people, as well as other Native American groups. The first European to visit the region was Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo in 1542, who claimed the area for Spain. The county was part of Alta California in the Viceroyalty of New Spain until 1821, when Mexico gained independence from Spain. San Diego became part of the United States following the Mexican-American War (1846–1848).

Economy

San Diego County's economy is diverse, with major sectors including defense/military, tourism, international trade, and research. The county hosts several military bases, including Naval Base San Diego, which is the largest base of the United States Navy on the west coast. The region is also known for its biotechnology and healthcare sectors, with numerous research institutions such as the Salk Institute for Biological Studies and the Scripps Research Institute.

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, San Diego County had a population of 3,338,330. The demographic composition was diverse, with a significant percentage of Hispanic or Latino residents. The county is also home to a large number of Asian Americans, primarily of Filipino, Vietnamese, and Chinese descent.

Government

San Diego County is governed by a five-member Board of Supervisors, each representing a geographic district. The government provides countywide services such as law enforcement, parks, libraries, and road maintenance.

Education

The county is served by numerous school districts, colleges, and universities. Prominent higher education institutions include San Diego State University, University of California, San Diego, and University of San Diego.

Culture

San Diego County is known for its outdoor recreational opportunities, including beaches, hiking, and boating. Cultural institutions such as the San Diego Museum of Art, San Diego Symphony, and the annual San Diego Comic-Con contribute to a vibrant arts and culture scene.

Transportation

Transportation in San Diego County is facilitated by a network of highways, including Interstate 5 and Interstate 15, as well as public transportation options such as the San Diego Trolley and buses operated by the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System.