Richmond

Richmond is a city located in the East Bay region of the San Francisco Bay Area in Northern California. With a population of 109,471 as of 2019, it is the second largest city in Contra Costa County. Richmond has a diverse community and a rich history shaped by its port, industries, and role in World War II shipbuilding.

Population

As of 2019, the population of Richmond was estimated at 109,471 according to the United States Census Bureau. This makes it the second most populous city in Contra Costa County after Concord.

The racial makeup of Richmond is diverse, with Latinos making up nearly 40% of the population. The census reported the following racial breakdown in 2019:

  • 39.5% Hispanic or Latino
  • 26.1% Black or African American
  • 12.9% Asian
  • 12.7% White
  • 5.1% Two or more races
  • 0.8% Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander
  • 0.6% American Indian and Alaska Native

Historically, Richmond experienced major growth during World War II due to migration from other states for wartime industry jobs. The city’s population peaked at around 130,000 in the 1950s and then declined in subsequent decades. In recent years, the population has been gradually increasing again.

Economy and Major Employers

Richmond has a diversified economy with heavy and light manufacturing, service industries, transportation, agriculture, and commercial fishing. Some of the major employers include:

Other major industries that contribute significantly to Richmond’s economy include healthcare, retail, construction, transportation, and food manufacturing. The city has worked to attract renewable energy companies in recent years as part of economic development efforts.

Richmond does face some socioeconomic challenges including poverty, unemployment, and crime rates that exceed the national average. Ongoing efforts aim to create more opportunities and uplift the community.

Landmarks

Some of the most notable landmarks and points of interest in Richmond include:

In addition, Richmond’s shoreline along the San Francisco Bay features miles of trails, beaches, and recreation areas offering beautiful views and outdoor activities.

Sports

The city is home to the professional Minor League Baseball team the Richmond Flying Squirrels, the Double-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants. The Flying Squirrels play at the Diamond in Richmond.

Additionally, Richmond fields competitive sports teams at the high school and collegiate level. The Richmond High School Oilers have claimed state championships in basketball, football, track, swimming, and more over the decades.

Facebook

You can follow the latest news and information about Richmond by liking the City of Richmond Facebook page. The page shares community updates, event announcements, city policies, and more.