Explore San Mateo local geography, civic resources and voter guides, with dated official population and registration facts for San Mateo County.
At a glance: San Mateo is an incorporated city in San Mateo County. Population: 104,020 (California Department of Finance estimate as of January 1, 2026). Registered voters: 59,413 (California Secretary of State, as of September 4, 2026).
San Mateo extends from Bayfront wetlands and parks through a substantial downtown to western residential hills. Its rail corridor and El Camino Real connect several commercial districts, while the shoreline gives the city an extensive eastern outdoor edge. Central Park contains the Japanese Garden and provides green space beside downtown. The Main Library serves the civic core, while Coyote Point Recreation Area is a county-managed waterfront resource rather than a city park. San Mateo incorporated on September 4, 1894. It is a charter city with a council-manager government, legally distinct from San Mateo County despite sharing its name. The incorporation date is documented in the county's municipal profile.
No. The city is one municipality within the county; each has separate elected bodies and responsibilities.
It is within Central Park near downtown San Mateo. Consult city information for current access hours.
San Mateo County elections manages voter registration and voting services, while the city clerk maintains municipal election records.
59,413 (California Secretary of State, as of September 4, 2026).
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