Education, Employment and Housing

San Francisco County, CA, has over 110 public schools, including 19 public high schools. Around 55% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher—more than double the national average. The county's public schools average a GreatSchools rating of 7/10. Adult education is robust, with institutions like City College of San Francisco serving over 60,000 students annually. School safety measures are consistently updated, and diverse educational programs—including STEM, arts, and language immersion—are widely available.

As of 2023, San Francisco County, CA, has an employment-population ratio of 66.6%. Major industries include Professional & Business Services (25%), Educational & Health Services (19%), and Leisure & Hospitality (14%). The most common occupations are Management, Business, Science, and Arts (61%). About 31% of residents commute by public transit, while 35% drive alone. Forty-three percent work within San Francisco, with others commuting to nearby counties like San Mateo (13%) and Alameda (11%).

San Francisco County, CA, has a homeownership rate of about 38%, with 62% renting. The median home value is roughly $1.3 million, while the median rent exceeds $3,000 per month. Property values have risen about 5% year-over-year as of 2024. Housing types range from classic Victorian single-family homes to modern condominiums and apartments. Notable neighborhoods include the Mission District, Pacific Heights, and SoMa. Property tax rates are around 1.18%. High demand and limited supply continue to fuel competition in the market.

Elections

San Francisco County, CA, has over 497,000 registered voters as of 2024, with Democrats comprising about 62%, Republicans 7%, and No Party Preference 27%. Elections include local, state, and federal offices, with turnout often exceeding 70% in general elections; e.g., the 2020 presidential turnout was 86%. Polling locations number around 600, plus ballot drop-off sites. Major issues include housing, homelessness, and public safety. The San Francisco Department of Elections administers voting, ensuring accessibility and transparency. Third parties, like the Green Party, have minor presence; recent city ballot measures on policing and housing drew close results.

Demographics

As of the 2020 Census, San Francisco County, CA, had a population of approximately 815,000. The median age was 39.2 years, with 50.8% identifying as male and 49.2% as female. Racially, the population was 41.7% White, 34.3% Asian, 5.2% Black or African American, and 15.2% Hispanic or Latino (of any race). Other races and ethnicities made up the remainder, illustrating the county’s significant diversity.

County Crime & Safety

San Francisco County, CA, experiences higher crime rates compared to national averages, particularly for property crimes like theft and burglary. In 2022, the reported violent crime rate was about 701 per 100,000 residents, while property crimes reached approximately 5,280 per 100,000. The city actively encourages crime reporting via SFPD online portals, leading to improved data collection. Although some recent trends show slight decreases, overall crime rates remain above both statewide and national levels, raising ongoing safety concerns among residents.