Contra Costa County Public RecordsCalifornia

As of 2023, Contra Costa County, CA has a population of approximately 1.18 million. The median age is 40 years. The gender split is about 50.5% female and 49.5% male. Racially, the county is 46% White, 24% Hispanic or Latino, 17% Asian, 9% Black or African American, and 4% of other or mixed races. The age distribution includes 21% under 18 and 16% aged 65 or older.

Contra Costa County, CA, had approximately 688,000 registered voters as of 2024. The county administers primary, general, special, and local elections, with results available online within hours of polls closing. In the 2020 general election, turnout reached 85%. There are over 100 polling locations, alongside vote-by-mail options. Key issues include housing, public safety, and environmental policy. The Registrar of Voters oversees elections. Democratic registrations make up 50%, Republicans 19%, and No Party Preference 25%. Administration emphasizes transparency and accessibility, with multilingual resources and accessible voting equipment.

Contra Costa County, CA, has 77 public high schools and numerous private institutions. About 92% of residents have a high school diploma, while 45% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The county boasts above-average test scores, with several schools (e.g., Campolindo High) ranking in the state’s top 100. School safety is a focus, with ongoing anti-bullying and mental health initiatives. Adult education centers offer ESL, GED, and vocational programs to over 10,000 adults annually. The district supports diverse educational programs, including STEM, arts, and AP courses, promoting comprehensive learning for all students.

As of early 2024, Contra Costa County, CA reports an unemployment rate of approximately 4.2%. Key employment sectors include healthcare (14%), retail (11%), and professional services (13%). Major occupation types are management, business, science, and arts (44%), and sales/office roles (21%). About 81% of workers commute by car, with a median commute time of 35 minutes; a significant portion (over 35%) work outside the county, particularly in San Francisco and Alameda counties. Remote work has increased, accounting for about 22% of the workforce.

Contra Costa County, CA, has a homeownership rate of about 65%, with median home values around $750,000 as of early 2024. Median rent stands near $2,500/month. Property values have risen moderately, with a 3% year-over-year increase. Housing types range from suburban single-family homes to apartments and townhouses, in neighborhoods like Walnut Creek, Concord, and Richmond. Property tax rates average 1.1% of assessed value, and local Mello-Roos or special assessments may apply in some subdivisions. The county features a mix of urban, suburban, and semi-rural communities.

Contra Costa County, CA, reported a violent crime rate of 390 per 100,000 residents in 2022, below the California average of 442. Property crime stood at about 1,820 per 100,000, also lower than the state average (2,290). Major cities like Richmond and Antioch have higher incident rates, while suburban areas are safer. The Contra Costa County Sheriff's Office encourages crime reporting through its online portal and tip lines. Overall, safety has improved, with a 7% drop in overall crime from 2021 to 2022, reflecting ongoing community policing efforts.