Tracy is a city located in San Joaquin County in California’s Central Valley. As of the 2020 census, Tracy had a population of 98,335 making it the 13th largest city in the San Joaquin Valley and the 87th largest city in California.
Population and Demographics
According to the Wikipedia page for Tracy, the city’s population was 82,922 at the 2010 census, up from 56,929 at the 2000 census. The estimated population as of 2019 was 93,196. Tracy experienced rapid growth during the 1990s and 2000s as people migrated from larger Bay Area cities in search of affordable housing.
The racial makeup of Tracy is diverse with over 50% of residents identifying as Hispanic or Latino of any race. The 2010 census reported the racial breakdown as follows:
- White – 50.5%
- Hispanic/Latino – 50.0%
- Black or African American – 5.8%
- Asian – 12.2%
- Native American – 1.2%
- Pacific Islander – 0.6%
- Two or more races – 6.6%
Other key demographics according to census data:
- Median age – 32.1
- Under 18 years old – 29.9%
- Over 65 years old – 10.1%
Tracy has a relatively young population with nearly 30% under 18 compared to about 20% nationally. The median age is 32 reflecting the prevalence of young families located in the city.
Economy and Major Employers
Tracy’s economy is driven by several major industries and employers. According to the City of Tracy website, the top employers are:
- Amazon Fulfillment Center
- Safeway Distribution Center
- Tracy Unified School District
- Stockton Terminal and Eastern Railroad
- Costco
Other major contributors to the local economy are agriculture, food processing, manufacturing, transportation, and retail. Important agricultural products from the Tracy area include almonds, grapes, milk, and cattle.
Food processing companies with a significant presence include Sensient Dehydrated Flavors Company, Wilbur Packing Company, and Tracy Tomato Co. In manufacturing, Tri Tool Manufacturing, which makes equipment for tube manufacturing, is headquartered in Tracy.
Warehousing and distribution centers take advantage of Tracy’s location as a hub for rail and highway transportation. Amazon opened a new 1 million square foot fulfillment center in 2020 that employs over 1,000 people.
For more details on the economy and employment, visit the Tracy News Now site.
Landmarks
Some of the most notable landmarks in Tracy include:
- Monte Bella Winery – This family-owned winery offers wine tastings and hosts events in a scenic rural setting. It was established in 1934.
- Grand Theatre Center for the Arts – Built in 1923, this historic theater hosts performances and events in downtown Tracy.
- Tracy Historical Museum – Located in a historic library building, this museum highlights the history of Tracy with exhibits and displays.
- Carnegie Park – Home to the annual Tracy Bluegrass Festival, this park has a bandshell and open fields for events.
Sports
Tracy is home to several youth sports programs including soccer, baseball, and swimming. The most notable local sports team is the Tracy Tritons, the swim team that competes in the Valley Oak Swim League.
Many fans in Tracy root for Bay Area professional sports teams including the San Francisco Giants, Oakland A’s, Golden State Warriors, San Jose Sharks, San Francisco 49ers, and Oakland Raiders.
The City of Tracy maintains an active Facebook page to engage with locals and visitors. The page shares community news and events, city department updates, job openings, and more.
Tourism
Tracy has several attractions for visitors according to the Visit California tourism site.
Outdoor activities can be enjoyed at the Tracy Oasis Blue Heron Park which features ponds and wildlife. The Delta-Mendota Canal offers fishing spots and hiking and biking trails.
Food lovers can do a Tracy Tasty Tour to sample local fare from bakeries, restaurants, and wineries. The Monte Bella Winery and several craft microbreweries provide opportunities for tasting local beverages.
History buffs can visit the Tracy Historical Museum or walk the historic downtown to view early 20th century buildings.