A. Demographic Characteristics

The profile of San Mateo County residents began with a review of key demographic statistics regarding the county's population base: absolute size, projected growth, distribution within regions of the county, historical growth trends, distribution by sex and age, population growth by age segment, distribution by racial and ethnic group, racial and ethnic distribution within regions of the county, household income and educational characteristics.

The majority of information in this section is as obtained from the 1990 Census. While the 1990 census data is now five years old, it remains the most comprehensive data set regarding the multiple variables being reviewed. Projections of further population growth and age distribution were provided by the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG). ABAG's projections are widely utilized within San Mateo County to document future demographic trends.

Throughout this report, references to racial and ethnic groups are labeled as stated in the source documents from which they were drawn.

The analysis revealed significant demographic changes within San Mateo County which included changing ethnic distribution, growing population of the poor/marginally poor and aging of the population. All of these demographic shifts have had a significant influence on community service needs.