About Santa Clara County

Santa Clara County is one of the most diverse counties in the nation. Our population is rich in culture, history, and ethnic diversity, with over 100 languages and dialects spoken.

Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, the county has a rich history that spans from its agricultural roots to its current position as a global hub of innovation and technology.

The county was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Ohlone and Miwok peoples. Spanish explorers arrived in the late 1700s and established missions, bringing with them European diseases that devastated the native populations.

In the mid-1800s, California experienced a gold rush that brought many people to the area. However, it was agriculture that ultimately became the county's economic foundation. The region's fertile soil and temperate climate proved ideal for growing fruits and vegetables, and by the late 1800s, Santa Clara County was known as the "Valley of Heart's Delight" for its bountiful orchards.

The 1900s saw the rise of technology in the region, beginning with the founding of Stanford University in 1891. During World War II, many military research and development projects were located in the area, and after the war, many of the scientists and engineers stayed to continue their work.

In the 1950s and 1960s, the area became home to a number of high-tech companies, including Hewlett-Packard, Intel, and Apple. The region's innovative spirit and entrepreneurial culture led to the development of the personal computer and the internet, and Silicon Valley became synonymous with technological progress and advancement.

However, this prosperity was not shared equally by all residents of Santa Clara County. Many of the region's agricultural workers were poorly paid and lived in substandard conditions, and labor union activity was common. In the 1960s, Cesar Chavez and the United Farm Workers led a series of strikes and boycotts in support of better wages and working conditions for farmworkers.

Today, Santa Clara County is the sixth largest county in California, the largest in Northern California, and has a diverse community of over 1.9 million people. The county has a large Latino population, making up over a quarter of local residents. Asian Americans also make up the largest portion of the population, with many immigrants from Vietnam, China, India, and many other countries settling in the area.

The County of Santa Clara is one part of the local government structure in the region. The County government is responsible for a wide range of services, acting as both an agent of the State of California and as a local government entity.

The County provides essential services to its residents, including public health protection, medical services to more than 2 million residents per year through the County of Santa Clara Health System, environmental stewardship, child and adult protection services, homelessness prevention and solutions, roads, park services, libraries, emergency response to disasters, protection of minority communities and those under threat, access to a fair criminal justice system, and many other public benefits.

One of the County's primary missions is to act as a safety net for its most vulnerable residents, including low-income families, seniors, and individuals experiencing homelessness. The County operates a variety of programs and services aimed at addressing these issues, such as emergency shelter and housing assistance, food assistance, and behavioral health services.

In addition to these services, the County also plays an important role in promoting economic development and supporting local businesses. The County has a number of programs aimed at helping entrepreneurs and small business owners, such as low-interest loans and assistance with regulatory compliance.

Overall, the County is there for our residents when they need it and dedicated to ensuring that our community remains vibrant and thriving for generations to come.