Antioch is a city located in Contra Costa County in the East Bay region of the San Francisco Bay Area in northern California. As of 2021, Antioch has an estimated population of 115,492, making it the second largest city in Contra Costa County.
Population and Demographics
According to data from the Wikipedia page for Antioch, the city has grown rapidly in recent decades. In 1980, Antioch had a population of 44,458. By 1990, the population had increased to 62,195. In 2000, there were 90,532 residents living in Antioch. The latest census data from 2021 shows the current population estimate at 115,492.
In terms of racial demographics, Antioch is highly diverse. The racial makeup of the city is: 38.7% White, 21.7% Black or African American, 1.8% Native American, 12.1% Asian, 0.5% Pacific Islander, 17.6% from other races, and 7.6% from two or more races. 29.2% of residents identify as Hispanic or Latino of any race.
Economy and Major Employers
Historically, Antioch’s economy was centered around heavy industry and manufacturing due to its location on the San Joaquin River near the intersection of State Route 160 and State Route 4. Some of the large industrial businesses included the Shell Oil Company refinery, the Fibreboard Corporation paper mill, and the Dow Chemical Company plant.
While manufacturing and industry is still important, the economy has diversified in recent decades. Some of the top employers in Antioch today include:
- Kaiser Permanente Medical Center – healthcare
- Sutter Delta Medical Center – healthcare
- Antioch Unified School District – education
- Walmart – retail
- Target – retail
- Bio-Rad Laboratories – life sciences
For more information on Antioch’s economy and labor force, check out the Economic Development page on the city’s website.
Sports Teams
Antioch does not have any major professional sports teams. However, the community is passionate about local high school and amateur athletics. Two of the high schools – Antioch High School and Deer Valley High School – boast particularly strong football and basketball programs.
Antioch High School competes in the Bay Valley Athletic League of the North Coast Section (NCS). The school’s football team, the Antioch Panthers, have won NCS championships in 1985, 1989, 2005 and 2006. The basketball team won the 2008 NCS championship. You can check the Antioch High Athletics website for schedules and updates.
Deer Valley High School is part of the Diablo Athletic League in the NCS. The football team, the Deer Valley Wolverines, won NCS championships in 1983, 2002, and 2003. You can visit the Deer Valley Athletics homepage to learn more.
Points of Interest and Tourist Attractions
Some of the top attractions and landmarks in Antioch include:
- Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve – This park offers tours of former coal mines and has hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails.
- Prewett Water Park – A family-friendly water park with pools, slides and splash pads.
- Livermore Rod and Gun Club – One of the oldest continuously operating sport shooting facilities in the United States, founded in 1898.
- El Campanil Theatre – This historic 602-seat theater located downtown opened in 1928.
- Antioch Marina – Includes boat slips, fuel dock, and fishing pier on the San Joaquin River.
For more ideas on things to do, check out the City of Antioch Facebook page or Antioch Chamber of Commerce website.