Population
Berkeley, California is a medium-sized city located in the San Francisco Bay Area. As of the 2020 census, Berkeley had a population of 121,363 people. It is the 11th most populous city in the Bay Area and 79th most populous city in California.
Berkeley has seen steady population growth over the past several decades. Since the 2000 census, the population has increased by over 15,000 residents or 14%. Berkeley is part of the urban core of the San Francisco Bay Area region along with cities like San Francisco, Oakland, and Richmond.
History
Berkeley was incorporated as a town in 1878 and named after the Anglo-Irish philosopher and poet George Berkeley. It became a city in 1909. Berkeley grew rapidly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as it became a streetcar suburb of San Francisco and Oakland.
The University of California, Berkeley opened in 1868, making it the oldest of the University of California system campuses. UC Berkeley brought major growth and prestige to the city and continues to be a defining part of Berkeley’s identity and economy.
Geography and Climate
Berkeley is located on the eastern shore of San Francisco Bay, bordering the cities of Oakland and Emeryville to the south and the Contra Costa County cities of Albany and El Cerrito to the north. The Berkeley Hills rise dramatically on the eastern side of the city.
Berkeley has a warm-summer Mediterranean climate. Summers are warm and dry while winters are cool and rainy. The average high temperature in July is 72°F and the average high in January is 58°F. Berkeley receives an average of 26 inches of rain per year, with nearly all of it falling between November and March.
Economy and Major Employers
The economy of Berkeley is driven by the education, research, and healthcare sectors. The single largest employer is UC Berkeley, which provides around 20,000 jobs in the city. The university’s alumni have also founded numerous companies in Berkeley, particularly in the biotech and cleantech industries.
Other major employers in Berkeley include Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Bayer Healthcare (pharmaceuticals), Berkeley Bowl (grocery), Siemens (technology), Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, Berkeley Unified School District, and the City of Berkeley government.
Landmarks and Attractions
Some of Berkeley’s most notable landmarks and attractions include:
- UC Berkeley campus
- Sather Tower (Campanile) – UC Berkeley’s iconic 300-foot tall clock tower
- The Bear – UC Berkeley’s mascot statue
- San Pablo Avenue – Vibrant commercial corridor with restaurants, shops, and art galleries
- UC Botanical Garden – 34-acre botanical garden with over 13,000 plant species
- Tilden Regional Park – Large regional park in the Berkeley Hills with hiking trails, lake, and botanical garden
- Berkeley Marina – Marina, beach park, and adventure playground on the San Francisco Bay
- Berkeley Repertory Theatre – Renowned non-profit theater company
- Gourmet Ghetto – Neighborhood with concentration of restaurants, cafes, and food shops
Sports
Berkeley does not have any major professional sports teams. However, it is home to the UC Berkeley Golden Bears, which compete in NCAA Division I sports in the Pac-12 Conference. The football and basketball teams play at Haas Pavilion and California Memorial Stadium on campus. Many Berkeley residents also support the San Francisco Bay Area’s professional teams such as the Oakland Athletics, Golden State Warriors, San Francisco 49ers, and San Francisco Giants.
City Government
Berkeley has a Council-Manager form of government. The city is governed by an elected 8-member City Council and an appointed professional City Manager. The current mayor of Berkeley is Jesse Arreguin.
Residents can stay informed about city news, events, services, and more by following the City of Berkeley Facebook page.