Explore East Palo Alto local geography, civic resources and voter guides, with dated official population and registration facts for San Mateo County.
At a glance: East Palo Alto is an incorporated city in San Mateo County. Population: 29,462 (California Department of Finance estimate as of January 1, 2026). Registered voters: 11,999 (California Secretary of State, as of September 4, 2026).
East Palo Alto lies along the southern San Mateo County Bay shore, near the mouth of San Francisquito Creek. University Avenue links its neighborhoods and commercial areas, while the Baylands create an open eastern edge. Cooley Landing offers a waterfront setting for environmental learning and public access. Jack Farrell Park supplies neighborhood recreation space, and East Palo Alto Library connects residents with the San Mateo County Libraries system. East Palo Alto incorporated on July 1, 1983. It is a general-law city operating under a council-manager system, legally separate from Palo Alto across the county line. Its incorporation date and municipal services are documented by San Mateo County LAFCo.
No. East Palo Alto is in San Mateo County; Palo Alto is a separate city in Santa Clara County.
Cooley Landing is a local waterfront destination. Consult city information for access conditions and education-center activities.
Use San Mateo County elections. The city clerk is the local contact for municipal candidate and council records.
11,999 (California Secretary of State, as of September 4, 2026).
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