Community Assessment - Health & Quality of Life in San Mateo
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Executive Summary

Key Findings
of this community assessment  
         

quality of life in san mateo county

overview of san mateo county

Most San Mateo County residents seem to experience a very high quality of life, enjoy relative prosperity, and describe a booming economy. San Mateo County has a rich mix of racial and ethnic diversity, and the population is growing, albeit at an increasingly slower rate. Job growth has led to very low unemployment, and many see growing opportunities for themselves and their peers.

However, while the county overall excels by most conventional measures, there are subgroups within the population who do not share the wealth. Low-income families, in particular, seem disenfranchised from much of what is good about San Mateo County. And, while the county has a very high median household income, more than one out of four children lives in relative poverty.

demographic characteristics

Between 1995 and 2000, the San Mateo County population is expected to increase 6.1%, from 687,500 to 729,500.¹ Between 1990 and 2000, there is a projected 11.2% increase in population. Though the population increased, the county’s rate of growth is below the state’s rate of growth, and this rate is expected to decline over the next several decades. ²

The 45-to-64 age segment is growing the fastest, with a 3.4% compounded annual growth rate between 1996 and 2000 (higher than the national rate of 1.6%). Seniors (those 65 and older) are the second-fastest growing segment, with a 1.7% compounded annual growth rate (versus 0.6% nationally). ³

The racial/ethnic makeup of the county in 1996 was as follows: 366,433 White (51.5%); 154,540 Hispanic (21.7%); 35,173 African-American (4.9%); and 154,856 Asian/Other Races (21.8%). ⁴More than 20 languages are spoken throughout San Mateo County, including English (68%), Spanish (14%), Tagalog (5%) and Chinese (4%). ⁵

The child population of San Mateo County is even more diverse than the adult population, with no single race/ethnicity making up a majority. The racial/ethnic makeup of the 1996 child population was: 40% White; 32% Hispanic; 5% African-American; and 23% Asian/Other Races.⁶

economy

The economy of San Mateo County has accelerated in the past three years and now outpaces the nation, the state, and the rest of the San Francisco Bay Area. The economy expanded by over 7% in 1996 as measured by the inflation adjusted value of gross regional product. ⁷

In 1997, the unemployment rate was 2.8% versus 6.2% throughout California. The San Mateo County rate was lowest among the 58 California counties. ⁸

A total of 46.8% of San Mateo County survey participants in 1998 rate local employment opportunities as "excellent" or "very good," while 20.4% rate them as "fair" or "poor." Among adults in households living at or below 185% of the federal poverty threshold, however, 42.5% offer "fair/poor" evaluations (185% poverty is currently $30,433 household income for a family of four). ⁹

In 1997, the median income for a family of four in San Mateo County was $64,400. However, despite a booming economy, 27% of children in 1996 were considered to be low-income, living in families with incomes below $29,000 for a family of four.¹¹

community as a place to live

Seven out of 10 San Mateo County survey respondents say their community is an "excellent" or "very good" place to live. At the other end of the scale, however, 7.4% of residents say their community is a "fair" or "poor" place to live. "Fair/poor" indications rise to 22.3% among those living below the 185% poverty threshold. ¹²

According to 1998 survey participants, the "best things" about living in San Mateo County include: convenience to amenities; quiet, rural or small-town feel; the people; the weather; low crime/safety; the environment; community services; and the economy ¹³

The top "number-one" perceived problems facing the community include: traffic and transportation problems; crime and violence; growth and overcrowding; the cost of living; and housing.

family issues

Families in San Mateo County face many challenges in the coming years. Among these is maintaining educational excellence for our children: while high school drop-out rates are low and decreasing in San Mateo County, there is a wide disparity in academic investment and achievement seen between affluent and low-income areas.

Community members often cite finances as the number-one problem facing their family. In addition, the local high cost of living and the availability of jobs have contributed to the demand for and cost of child care. The demand for child care in San Mateo County remains 20% higher than the state average, and the need for child care far exceeds its availability. Child care costs are among the highest in California. With continued population growth predicted, the demand and cost of child care can be expected to increase.

As the population ages, the demands of caring for older dependents is becoming more commonplace and an added strain on family life in San Mateo County. Family violence remains a concern, despite declines in recent years. Finally, while San Mateo County is seen as an affluent county, it is important to remember the sizable number of families in need.

community as a place to raise a family

A total of 55.9% of San Mateo County survey participants identify their community as an "excellent" or "very good" place to raise a family. However, 15.7% believe San Mateo County is a "fair" or "poor" place to raise a family. "Fair/poor" evaluations rise to 26.9% among African-American respondents, to 26% among South County residents, and to 21.6% among Hispanic respondents.¹⁵

When asked what they believe is the number-one problem facing their family, family finances/the cost of living was the most common response among survey respondents. Other frequently identified problems include education, crime, housing and a lack of quality family time.¹⁶

Education

More than one out of five surveyed parents (21.7%) with children attending a local public school, rate their child’s education as "fair" or "poor." Only 3.7% of parents of private school students give "fair/poor" evaluations of their child’s education. ¹⁷

Between 1994 and 1996, the drop-out rate decreased from 2.6% to 2.2%. The 1994-1996 annual average drop-out rate for San Mateo County (2.4%) is considerably below the state rate for the same period. Drop-out rates in San Mateo County are higher among African-American (3.3%) and Hispanic (4.4%) students than among White (1.6%) and Asian/Other (1.5%) students. ¹⁸

In 1996, 45% of San Mateo County graduating students had completed the coursework necessary for entrance into state schools of higher learning, up from 39% in 1994. However, college preparedness varies among racial/ethnic groups, with considerably fewer African-American (18%) and Hispanic (23%) students prepared for college, compared to White (49%) and Asian/Other (59%) students. ¹⁹

Per-pupil funding per average daily attendance (ADA) continues to rise, reaching $4,720 in the 1995-96 school year. This remains, however, lower than the national average. High school districts continued to spend the most money, with average expenditures of $5,982 per annual ADA, while elementary school districts spent $4,417, and unified school districts spent $4,185. Despite a rise in funding, California ranks 41st in the nation in annual ADA expenditures. ²⁰

In the increasingly ethnically diverse classrooms of San Mateo County, 21% of students had limited English proficiency in 1996 (compared to 24% throughout California). ²¹

In the 1998 survey, 16.4% of parents of school-aged children in San Mateo County report that their child has been tested for learning disabilities. Of the children tested, 35% had a learning disability identified. ²²

Seven out of 10 San Mateo County respondents (68.7%) currently have a computer in the home, significantly higher than the 59.4% found throughout California. Computer ownership is lowest among those living below the 185% poverty threshold (37.4%) and individuals aged 65 or older (43.7%)^.23

child care

In San Mateo County, most children have both parents or a single-parent head of household working outside the home (63% of children 5 years and younger and 69% of children 6 to 13 in 1990). These percentages are considerably higher than found statewide (51% and 59%, respectively); for children under 5, this proportion is the highest in the state. ²⁴

There were an estimated 89,563 San Mateo County children in need of child care in 1998, and a total maximum of 25,911 licensed child care spaces. The difference between these figures indicates an unmet need for 63,652 children in San Mateo County in 1998, up 17.5% since 1993. ²⁵

Because the demand for child care in San Mateo County far exceeds its availability, families pay well above the state average to secure child care. Current child care costs for one infant would consume 83% of the monthly income of a minimum wage earner in San Mateo County.

For an infant, the average cost of child care was $792 per month in a licensed child care center ($650 in a family child care home). For a preschooler, the average cost of child care was $546 per month in a licensed child care center ($614 in a family child care home). For a school-aged child, the average cost of part-time child care was $329 per month in a licensed child care center ($363 in a family child care home). ²⁶

39.7% rate local child care services as "excellent" or "very good," while 20% say that local child care services are "fair" or "poor." Among those rating these services as "fair" or "poor," stated reasons include "not enough services available" (30.8%) and "existing programs are too expensive" (20.5%). ²⁷

One out of four San Mateo County children aged 13 or younger is income-eligible for subsidized child care. However, 86% of qualified infants and school-aged children whose parents work are not currently being served. Among preschoolers, 59% of qualified children are not being served. ²⁸

older dependents

Among San Mateo County survey participants under the age of 65, 7.8% have an older adult, such as a parent, aunt, or uncle, living with them because they are unable to live alone (compared to 5.7% statewide). Furthermore, among San Mateo County respondents aged 50 and older, 4.6% currently live in the home of an adult child, grandchild, or other relative (compared to 2.4% statewide). ²⁹

When survey respondents living with older dependents were asked to evaluate adult day care services in the community, overall evaluations were relatively low, with only 23.9% responding "excellent" or "very good" and over 20% responding "fair" or "poor." "Fair/poor" evaluations of adult day care services in both San Mateo County and Santa Clara County are much higher than "fair/poor" evaluations found statewide.³⁰

families in need

Among survey participants (not including children), 11.5% of respondents currently receive government assistance (17% found throughout California). This includes 27.3% of those living below the 185% poverty threshold reporting they receive government assistance. ³¹

As of October 1997, 29% of public school students in San Mateo County were receiving free or reduced-priced meals. This includes 35% of students in elementary school districts, 12% of students in high school districts, and 30% of students in unified districts. ³²

As of July 1998, there were 2,657 total AFDC/TANF (Aid to Families with Dependent Children/Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) cases in San Mateo County, a 63% reduction from the high point of 7,160 cases recorded in December 1994. ³³

A total of 21.5% of San Mateo County residents rate the ease with which they are able to get social services in their community as "fair" or "poor." This percentage increases to 31.2% among low-income individuals and 32.8% among African-Americans. ³⁴

family violence

In 1996, police in San Mateo County received over 3,000 calls for assistance for domestic violence situations. This figure is, however, lower than recorded the previous two years. ³⁵

6,803 cases of child abuse were reported in 1996, compared to 8,144 in 1994. This was a drop from 52 to 41 per 1,000. ³⁶

Between 1994 and 1996, there was an annual average of 1.7 arrests for elder abuse in San Mateo County. This translates to a rate of 2.1 arrests per 100,000 population aged 65 and older. ³⁷

community issues

Community residents generally feel positive and optimistic about the county’s social environment, and volunteerism appears to be strong. However, the county faces a host of issues that can only be addressed at the community level. The cost of living-- especially the availability of affordable housing in San Mateo County -- is a predominant concern. The county’s median housing costs are higher than those of the nation, state, and Bay Area. The implication is that it is necessary for more households to maintain double incomes, exacerbating other community problems such as traffic congestion, overcrowding and child care. As housing demand and costs continue to escalate, home ownership is out of reach for a majority of county residents. Rental costs have also increased dramatically.

The high cost of living is one contributor to homelessness in the county. Currently, the homeless population is approximately 10 times the number of available emergency and transitional shelter beds. Nearly one-third of the homeless are children. Temporary displacement (having to go live with a friend or relative) affected over 30,000 families last year.

Furthermore, San Mateo County is fast becoming one of the most traffic-congested counties in the region, with a 400% increase in driver delays between 1994 and 1996. The expanding economy is creating more traffic, with no addition to the capacity of the highway system. During commute hours, most commuters drive alone, and public transit is used minimally.

While crime and violence remain a top concern for community residents, San Mateo County crime rates are well below California and the Bay Area, whether measured by violent crime or by all types of crime. In looking specifically at juvenile arrest rates for violent crimes, it appears youth violence has subsided somewhat in recent years in San Mateo County.

social environment

Over one-third (39.4%) of the San Mateo County residents surveyed believe there are more opportunities for themselves and those of similar background in San Mateo County compared to a few years ago. However, 16.4% see fewer opportunities for themselves and others like them. ³⁸

47.6% of San Mateo County survey participants evaluate racial and cultural tolerance as "excellent" or "very good" (compared to 41.5% "excellent/very good" across the state). A total of 19.1% of residents evaluated racial and cultural tolerance in the area as "fair" or "poor," much lower than the 25.5% found statewide. Racial and cultural tolerance receives its lowest marks among respondents living at the lowest income levels (32.2% "fair/poor") and Hispanics (25%). ³⁹

36.8% of survey participants evaluate San Mateo County as "excellent" or "very good" in regard to tolerance of differing viewpoints or lifestyles, higher than the 33.1% found statewide. In contrast, 21.6% evaluated this type of tolerance as "fair" or "poor." ⁴⁰

The majority (73.5%) of San Mateo County respondents say that they have someone they can turn to "all" or "most" of the time in case they need or want help. However, 9.1% of county residents see themselves as having little or no social support. This is particularly true among low-income groups. ⁴¹

In the past year, 58.2% of San Mateo County survey respondents have volunteered time to a local charity, organization or activity, donating an average of 102.4 hours to community service in the past year.⁴²

homelessness

A 1996 study found 4,663 homeless persons in San Mateo County. This study further notes that, while the population increased between 1994 and 1996, the percentage of the county’s population that is homeless remained the same. ⁴³

Some of the realities of homelessness in San Mateo County include:

• Nearly a third (32%) of the homeless in 1996 were children.
• A total of 12% were over 50 years old.
• A total of 61% of the homeless were persons of color — predominantly African-American (29%) and Hispanic (26%).
• Almost half (47%) of those identified as homeless had been homeless for more than a month (37% for more than a year). ⁴⁴

A total of 5.8% of San Mateo County adults reveal that they have had to go live with a friend or relative at some time during the past two years because of an emergency, although this arrangement may have only been temporary. ⁴⁵

A San Francisco Chronicle article in early 1998 reported approximately 368 shelter slots (beds and units) available for homeless individuals and families in San Mateo County. As of October 1998, there were approximately 464 emergency and transitional shelter beds. ⁴⁶

Only 9.8% of San Mateo County adult survey respondents evaluated the availability of programs and shelters for the homeless as "excellent" or "very good," while 71.2% offered "fair" or "poor" responses. Evaluations are similarly low throughout California. ⁴⁷

housing

With the demand for affordable housing surpassing the supply, housing costs in San Mateo County are increasing. In early 1998, the median home purchase price rose to $430,000 in San Mateo County, up $110,000 from 1994 (over 34%).⁴⁸

In June 1998, only 17% of households in San Mateo County were able to afford a median-priced home in the county. This compares to 25% of households in neighboring Santa Clara County, 37% in California, and 53% nationwide. ⁴⁹

A total of 14.9% of San Mateo County survey respondents report that, in order to limit expenses, they currently share housing costs with someone other than a spouse or partner. Cost-sharing is more notable among low-to-moderate income persons, younger adults, and Hispanic residents. ⁵⁰

As of March 1998, the average monthly rental cost of a two-bedroom, one-bath apartment was $1,272, a 31% increase since December 1995. ⁵¹

As of 1990, over 25,000 renter households (39% of renter households) were lower-income — below 80% of median family income. The majority of these households had at least one housing problem in 1990, such as high cost burden or overcrowding. ⁵²

A total of 64.2% of the San Mateo County adults surveyed currently own a home, 14.7% rent an apartment, and 12.5% rent a house.⁵³ Respondents report paying a median monthly payment of $880 for rent, and a median of $1,300 for mortgage payment. Note that median rents in San Mateo County are considerably higher than the state median ($620 per month).⁵⁴

physical environment

With much of San Mateo County’s land either built out or protected, infill development has become a necessity. While many believe that there is little land available, the San Mateo County Economic Development Association reports that there is available land along the eastern transportation (Highway 101 and the CalTrain) corridors. ⁵⁵

Between 1990 and 1995, over 1,000 acres of rural land and urban open space gave way to residential, commercial, and industrial development. During the same period, conservation groups in the county protected well over 1,000 acres of forest and rangeland from development. Furthermore, park and conservation districts have protected over 81,500 acres of open space in the county (28.7% of total county acreage). ⁵⁶

In San Mateo County, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and PM10 (particulate matter larger than 10 microns, i.e., dust, ash and smoke) did not exceed the California standard between 1995 and 1996. ⁵⁷

Ozone levels in San Mateo County have fluctuated, exceeding the standard on zero days in 1994, five days in 1995, and one in 1996. ⁵⁸

The levels of all major contaminants in the county’s water are far below state standard maximum levels. Quality of drinking water in San Mateo County has varied little over the last eight years and remains excellent. ⁵⁹

The 1995-96 level of per capita consumption was 128.3 gallons per day and represents a 5% increase in water consumption since 1993-94; however San Mateo County consumption remains 28.2 gallons below the Bay Area average of 156.5 gallons per capita per day. ⁶⁰

In 1990, the average San Mateo County resident generated 8 pounds of solid waste a day, with 6.8 pounds disposed into landfills and 1.2 pounds diverted (recycled or composted).⁶¹ Although solid waste diversion is increasing, so is disposal into landfills (up 9.5% from 801,361 tons in 1990 to 878,347 tons in 1996), at least partially due to increased population. San Mateo County is far from achieving a 50 percent reduction in solid waste disposal by the year 2000 as mandated by the state. ⁶²

More than nine out of 10 San Mateo County survey participants (93.2%) report that they participate in recycling efforts, either through a community-sponsored program or on their own. This is slightly higher than that found statewide (90.1%).⁶³

Nearly three out of 10 survey respondents (28.4%) report a household member with health problems — such as breathing problems, asthma, allergies or sinus problems — related to environmental smog or dust. This is lower than California overall (34.6%). ⁶⁴

Lead Exposure Risk Zones have been identified in selected census tracts of Daly City, South San Francisco, San Bruno, Half Moon Bay, San Mateo, Redwood City, Menlo Park, and East Palo Alto. ⁶⁵

transportation & traffic

One-third (32.6%) of San Mateo County survey participants rate local public transportation as "fair" or "poor." Only 32.9% give "excellent" or "very good" evaluations. ⁶⁶ Furthermore, only 60.1% of San Mateo County respondents believe they could rely on public transportation to get them to work, shopping, and appointments, if needed. ⁶⁷

A total of 61.2% of San Mateo County survey participants rate traffic flow as "fair" or "poor" in terms of being free of congestion; only 13.4% rate this as "excellent" or "very good." ⁶⁸

In 1996, San Mateo County became the fourth most traffic-congested county in the region, surpassing the average total daily congestion in San Francisco and Marin Counties for the first time. ⁶⁹ County drivers experienced 7,000 vehicle hours of delay, a 400% increase since 1994. ⁷⁰

1996 data reveal that 66.3% of San Mateo County commuters drive alone to work, while 18.3% carpool. A total of 9.3% rely on public transit. ⁷¹

government

A total of 43.4% of survey participants believe they can trust local government to work for the community’s best interest "all" or "most" of the time, much higher than found statewide. In contrast, 18.6% feel they can "seldom" or "never" trust local government. ⁷²

San Mateo County’s voter participation level for registered voters is slightly higher than the national voter participation level, but it is still below 60 percent.⁷³

recreation, entertainment & enrichment

A total of 42.3% of the San Mateo County residents surveyed rate local recreation and entertainment offerings as "excellent" or "very good." In contrast, 17.4% rate the recreation and entertainment offerings in the county as "fair" or "poor." ⁷⁴

Respondents gave slightly lower evaluations of recreation and entertainment offerings specifically for youth in the community (40.4% "excellent/very good," 42.3% "fair/poor"). ⁷⁵

Higher evaluations were given to the availability of outdoor recreational options in the area: 43.1% "excellent/very good," 16.5% "fair/poor." ⁷⁶

A total of 38.3% of San Mateo County survey respondents give the variety of arts and cultural offerings in the community "excellent" or "very good" evaluations. A total of 21.8% of residents give "fair/poor" evaluations. ⁷⁷

crime & violence

When asked to rate safety, security and crime control in their neighborhood, over one-half (52.3%) of survey respondents rate neighborhood safety as "excellent" or "very good." A total of 13.2% offered "fair/poor" evaluations. Low-income residents and African-Americans more often rate neighborhood safety and crime control as "fair" or "poor" (37.5% and 35.8%, respectively). ⁷⁸

Most county residents (69.3%) believe the problem of crime has stayed about the same in their neighborhood over the past year or two. In fact, more believe the situation has gotten better (21.1%) than worse (9.7%).⁷⁹

Between 1994 and 1996, there was an annual average of 414.1 violent crimes (i.e., murder, rape, robbery or aggravated assault) per 100,000 population in San Mateo County (compared to 930.6 statewide). Rates in Santa Clara County are slightly higher, although both are significantly below the state average. ⁸⁰

While violent crime decreased by 12% in San Mateo County between 1990 and 1996, it remained nearly constant for the entire Bay Area. ⁸¹

In all, 2.9% of San Mateo County adult survey respondents report that they themselves have been the victim of violent crime in the area in the past five years. This translates to approximately 15,000 adults in the county. ⁸²

Overall, San Mateo County experiences a youth arrest rate of 79 per 1,000 children aged 10 to 17 for all offenses (violent & nonviolent; 63,859 total arrests). This 1995 rate is lower than recorded for Santa Clara County, but slightly higher than recorded for the State of California.⁸³ A total of 7% of youth arrests in San Mateo County are drug-related (excluding alcohol), while 6% are for violent crimes. These proportions are more favorable than recorded in Santa Clara County and statewide. ⁸⁴

The juvenile violent arrest rate in 1996 was 438 per 100,000 youth, up only slightly from 1989 levels, and much lower than recorded in recent years. San Mateo County’s rates remain considerably below state rates.⁸⁵

86  1998 San Mateo County Quality of Life Survey. Healthy Community Collaborative of San Mateo County. September 1998.

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