Explore San Carlos local geography, civic resources and voter guides, with dated official population and registration facts for San Mateo County.
At a glance: San Carlos is an incorporated city in San Mateo County. Population: 29,249 (California Department of Finance estimate as of January 1, 2026). Registered voters: 21,178 (California Secretary of State, as of September 4, 2026).
San Carlos sits between Belmont and Redwood City, extending from the Bay-side employment corridor into residential hills. Laurel Street forms a recognizable downtown spine close to the Caltrain station and civic facilities. Burton Park provides a major neighborhood recreation setting, and the adjacent Youth Center supports community activities. San Carlos Library and the Adult Community Center add learning and gathering spaces near the center of town. San Carlos is a general-law city with a council-manager government and incorporated in July 1925.
Burton Park is a principal recreation destination, with the Youth Center nearby.
No. Palomar Park is identified by county LAFCo as an unincorporated community in the city's sphere of influence, which is not the same as city territory.
San Mateo County elections provides official voter and ballot information; the city clerk handles municipal election records.
21,178 (California Secretary of State, as of September 4, 2026).
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