Freemont

by The Linguist

Fremont, California Population and Facts

Fremont is a city located in the southeast San Francisco Bay Area of California. With a population of over 233,000 as of 2020, it is the fourth largest city in the Bay Area and the 16th most populous city in California. Here is an in-depth look at Fremont’s demographics, economy, attractions, sports teams, and other facts about this growing city.

Population and Demographics

According to the 2020 US Census, Fremont had a population of 233,136 people. This makes it the 16th largest city in California by population. The population density was 3,009 people per square mile.

Fremont has a very diverse population. As of 2020, the racial makeup was:

  • Asian – 50.6%
  • White – 34.8%
  • Hispanic or Latino – 14.7%
  • Black or African American – 2.6%
  • Two or more races – 4.6%
  • Other race – 2.2%

Over 50% of Fremont’s population is foreign born, with many residents having origins from China, India, Vietnam, Mexico, and other countries. This multicultural community is reflected in the variety of ethnic restaurants, grocery stores, places of worship, and cultural events found throughout the city.

The median age in Fremont is 36.7 years old. Over 30% of the population is under age 18, while 12% is age 65 or older. There are an average of 3.1 people per household.

History and Economy

Fremont has a history dating back over 200 years. The area was first inhabited by the Ohlone people. In 1797, Mission San José was founded by the Spanish. The city itself was incorporated in 1956 through the merger of five smaller towns – Centerville, Niles, Irvington, Mission San Jose, and Warm Springs.

Today, Fremont has a strong and diverse economy. According to the City of Fremont Economic Development, major employers in the city include:

  • Tesla – 13,000+ employees
  • Lam Research – 2,500+ employees
  • Western Digital – 2,000+ employees
  • Washington Hospital – 1,900+ employees
  • Fremont Unified School District – 1,500+ employees

Other major industries include biomedical and healthcare, retail, construction, transportation, and various technology firms. Several large tech companies have offices in Fremont due to its proximity to Silicon Valley. Overall, the city has a strong and diverse economic base.

Attractions and Landmarks

Fremont has several notable attractions and landmarks for visitors to enjoy:

Fremont’s location in the Bay Area also makes it easy for visitors to access famous attractions like the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, Fisherman’s Wharf and more in nearby San Francisco.

Sports

Fremont is home to one professional sports team – the Fremont Dragons, who play in the International Basketball League. The Dragons play at the Fremont Olympic Hall of Fame.

Fremont high schools compete in the Mission Valley Athletic League in various sports like football, basketball, soccer, wrestling, swimming, and more. The city also has an active youth sports scene with baseball, softball, and soccer leagues.

As part of the Bay Area, residents of Fremont are able to easily access major pro sports teams like the San Francisco Giants, Oakland A’s, Golden State Warriors, San Jose Sharks, San Francisco 49ers, and more.

Government

Fremont is governed by a City Council – Mayor form of government. The City of Fremont provides municipal services like police, fire, parks, recreation, and public works. Current key civic issues include transportation, housing affordability, economic development, and sustainability efforts.

Fremont is part of Alameda County and lies within California’s congressional 15th district. It is represented in the US Congress by Representative Eric Swalwell.

Education

Public education in Fremont is provided by the Fremont Unified School District. The district has nearly 35,000 students enrolled across 42 schools, including 26 elementary schools, 5 middle schools, 5 high schools, and 6 alternative/adult schools.

Some of the major colleges and universities in or near Fremont include:

  • Ohlone College – a community college with over 15,000 students.
  • Cal State East Bay – a state university with campuses in Hayward and Concord.
  • Stanford University – a world-renowned private research university located around 30 miles away in Palo Alto.

The Bay Area’s wealth of post-secondary institutions provides Fremont residents with a vast array of educational and career training opportunities nearby.

Transportation

Fremont’s central location allows convenient access to various transportation options.

Interstate highways I-680 and I-880 run through the city, connecting it to destinations throughout the Bay Area and beyond. Fremont is also served by Altamont Corridor Express (ACE) rail service, as well as Amtrak’s Capitol Corridor line with a station stop in the Warm Springs district.

Local public transit is provided by AC Transit buses. Future rapid transit plans via Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) are in development as well.

Fremont is well situated near several major airports. It is around a 30 minute drive from Oakland International Airport and a 45 minute drive from San Francisco International Airport.

Living in Fremont

Fremont offers a high quality of life for residents. It frequently ranks as one of the most livable and safest cities in America. The community enjoys great schools, low crime rates, ethnic diversity, a strong economy and job market, affordable housing relative to the rest of the Bay Area, vibrant parks and recreation, and convenient transportation.

Whether you are looking for an exciting urban environment or a more quiet suburban community, Fremont has something for everyone. From tech startups to major corporate campuses, quaint historic districts to modern shopping centers, Asian fusion cuisine to all-American comfort food, Fremont encapsulates the diverse opportunities of Bay Area living.