Santa Clara County Public RecordsCalifornia

Santa Clara County, CA, has a 2023 estimated population of 1,850,000. The median age is approximately 38 years. About 50.5% are female and 49.5% male. Racially, 35% are Asian, 31% White (non-Hispanic), 25% Hispanic or Latino, 2.8% Black, and 6.2% multiracial or other groups. Nearly 22% of residents are under 18, while about 15% are 65 or older.

Santa Clara County, CA, had over 1,019,000 registered voters as of 2024, with major parties being Democratic (49%), Republican (15%), and No Party Preference (~31%). It administers elections for local, state, and federal offices, as well as ballot measures. Polling locations include over 250 Vote Centers and numerous drop boxes. In the 2022 general election, turnout was approximately 55%. The County Registrar of Voters manages administration and addresses issues like language access and security. Recent local issues include housing and transportation, with Democratic candidates typically winning most races.

Santa Clara County, CA boasts over 400 public schools, including 65 high schools, with about 51% of residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. The average school score ranges from 7 to 9 out of 10 (GreatSchools), reflecting strong academics. Several adult education centers cater to lifelong learning. School safety is prioritized, with reported incidents below national averages. Robust educational programs include STEM, arts, and advanced placement courses, contributing to graduation rates exceeding 90%. The county’s investment in education supports a skilled workforce and thriving community.

Santa Clara County, CA, had an unemployment rate of approximately 3.4% in early 2024. Major employment sectors include professional, scientific, and technical services (23%), manufacturing (19%), and healthcare (11%). Leading occupations are in management, business, and computer/mathematical fields, each employing over 10% of the workforce. About 75% of workers commute alone by car, with an average commute time of 28 minutes. Key employment centers include San Jose, Sunnyvale, and Mountain View, attracting both local and regional commuters, especially from neighboring Alameda and San Mateo counties.

Santa Clara County, CA, boasts a median home price of about $1.6 million (2024), with a homeownership rate near 57%. The median monthly rent is roughly $3,200. Popular housing types include single-family homes, townhomes, and condos, in neighborhoods like Palo Alto, San Jose, and Cupertino. Property values have risen 5% year-over-year. Property taxes average 1.1% of assessed value annually. Owner and renter demand remains high due to tech sector jobs, with limited supply maintaining elevated prices across the region.

Santa Clara County, CA, reported a property crime rate of approximately 2,190 incidents per 100,000 residents and a violent crime rate of 240 per 100,000 in 2023, both below California's state averages. The county saw a slight decrease in overall crime compared to previous years, with law enforcement emphasizing community policing and modern reporting systems. Residents can report crimes via the county’s online portal, contributing to high clearance rates and data transparency. Despite its generally safe reputation, burglaries and car thefts remain concerns, prompting ongoing safety initiatives and neighborhood watch programs.