Vallejo is a city located in Solano County, California, situated on the northeastern shore of San Pablo Bay. With a population of 121,055 as of 2019, it is the largest city in Solano County. Vallejo was once named the most diverse city in the United States by NerdWallet. The city has a rich history and has undergone major economic and demographic shifts in recent decades.
Population
According to the Wikipedia page for Vallejo, the city had a population of 121,055 as of 2019. It is the 16th largest city in the San Francisco Bay Area. The racial makeup of Vallejo is quite diverse, with whites comprising 20.1% of the population, African Americans 22.5%, Asians 24.5%, and Hispanics or Latinos 26.7% as of 2019.
Vallejo saw its population boom between 1950 and 1970, largely due to the influx of African Americans from the South during the Second Great Migration. The city continued to grow steadily through the 1980s and 1990s. However, since 2000, Vallejo’s population growth has leveled off. It grew only 1.8% between 2000 and 2010.
Economy and Major Employers
Historically, the economy of Vallejo was driven by the United States Navy base and shipyard located in the city. The Mare Island Naval Shipyard employed thousands of civilian workers. However, the shipyard closed in 1996, leading to major economic challenges for Vallejo.
Today, according to the City of Vallejo Economic Development page, the major industries and employers in Vallejo are:
- Healthcare – Kaiser Permanente Vallejo Medical Center
- Education – Vallejo City Unified School District, Touro University California
- Manufacturing – Blue Apron, Pyropak
- Retail – Walmart, Target, Home Depot
- Tourism – Six Flags Discovery Kingdom
Healthcare, education, and manufacturing account for over 50% of jobs in Vallejo today. Retail jobs account for about 12% of employment. While no longer the economic engine it once was, the city still receives an economic boost from tourism attractions like Six Flags Discovery Kingdom theme park.
Attractions and Landmarks
Despite its small size, Vallejo offers several unique attractions and landmarks that bring in tourists from across the Bay Area and beyond.
Six Flags Discovery Kingdom
Six Flags Discovery Kingdom is a popular theme park located in Vallejo, conveniently accessible from Interstate 80. The park includes rollercoasters, rides, shows, and a zoo with hundreds of animals. Six Flags Discovery Kingdom welcomes over a million visitors per year.
Mare Island Historic Park
Once home to the Mare Island Naval Shipyard, Mare Island Historic Park allows visitors to explore the historic naval base through self-guided walking tours. Many historic buildings are preserved, along with dry docks and other artifacts that recognize the area’s shipbuilding legacy.
Marine World Parkway
This scenic roadway overlooks the Napa River and offers beautiful views of the wetlands ecosystem. Perfect for walking, running, or biking.
Downtown Vallejo
Downtown Vallejo features several historic buildings such as the Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum and the Temple Art Lofts. It also offers antique shops, restaurants, and increasingly a thriving arts scene.
Sports
While Vallejo does not have any major professional sports teams, sports are still a big part of the city’s culture. Vallejo is home to the Vallejo Admirals, a professional baseball team founded in 2000. The Admirals are part of the Pacific Association of Professional Baseball Clubs.
Vallejo High School offers a variety of sports including football, basketball, baseball, soccer, wrestling, and others. The city has a longstanding high school sports rivalry with nearby Benicia dating back over 100 years.
The city of Vallejo has an official Facebook page to connect with residents and visitors. The page shares news, events, job openings, and other updates from the city government and the community.