San Benito County Public RecordsCalifornia

As of 2023, San Benito County, CA, has approximately 67,000 residents. The population is 50.3% male and 49.7% female, with a median age of 36. About 60% identify as Hispanic or Latino, 35% as White (non-Hispanic), 2% Asian, 1% Black, and the remainder as other races or multiracial. Children under 18 make up 25% of residents, while 14% are 65 or older.

San Benito County, CA, had 40,532 registered voters as of March 2024, with 45% Democratic, 28% Republican, and 22% No Party Preference. The county administers primary, general, and local special elections, with the 2022 general election seeing a 58.4% turnout. Polling locations included ten in-person vote centers and three drop box sites. Recent key issues included water policy and housing development measures. The San Benito County Elections Office oversees administration. In 2022, Democrats won most local races, reflecting county trends.

San Benito County, CA, has 22 public schools, including 2 high schools. The high school graduation rate is about 85%, while approximately 21% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Public schools score an average of 6/10 on GreatSchools. The county offers adult education programs through the San Benito Adult School. School safety is prioritized, with Hollister High reporting a below-state-average incident rate. Programs in STEM, arts, and languages are available, supporting diverse student interests.

San Benito County, CA, had an unemployment rate of 6.0% as of early 2024. Key employment sectors include agriculture (14%), education and health services (19%), and retail trade (10%). Major occupations are management (12%), office/administrative support (10%), and farming (10%). About 56% of residents commute outside the county for work, primarily to Santa Clara County, with an average commute time of 39 minutes. Local employment centers include Hollister and San Juan Bautista, but over half the workforce is employed in neighboring counties, reflecting the area's role as a bedroom community for Silicon Valley workers.

San Benito County, CA, boasts a homeownership rate of about 66%, with median home values near $680,000 as of 2024. Median monthly rent averages $2,100. The market has seen a 4% property value increase year-over-year. Housing types range from single-family homes in neighborhoods like Ridgemark and Sunnyslope to apartments in Hollister. Property tax rates average 1.1% of assessed value. New developments and suburban communities are expanding, driven by proximity to the Bay Area and agriculture. The region offers a mix of rural and suburban lifestyles.

San Benito County, CA, maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to state averages. In 2022, the county reported 725 total crimes, translating to about 12.5 crimes per 1,000 residents. Violent crime occurs at a rate of 2.5 per 1,000, while property crime stands at 10 per 1,000. The San Benito County Sheriff’s Office and Hollister Police regularly publish crime reports and encourage community reporting to maintain safety. Overall, crime rates in the county have remained stable over recent years, supported by active law enforcement and community engagement.