San Luis Obispo County, California

Template:Short description Template:For Template:Use mdy dates Template:Infobox settlement

The entrance lobby and belfry of the Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa. A statue of Fray Junípero Serra stands outside the church.

File:Jack House - Front of House.JPG

Robert Jack House, built c. 1882

San Luis Obispo County (Template:IPAc-en), officially the County of San Luis Obispo, is a county on the Central Coast of California. As of the 2020 United States census, the population was 282,424.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The county seat is San Luis Obispo.<ref name="GR6">Template:Cite web</ref>

Junípero Serra founded the Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa in 1772, and San Luis Obispo grew around it. The small size of the county's communities, scattered along the beaches, coastal hills, and mountains of the Santa Lucia range, provides a wide variety of coastal and inland hill ecologies to support fishing, agriculture, and tourist activities.

California Polytechnic State University has almost 20,000 students. Tourism, especially for the wineries, is popular. Grapes and other agriculture products are an important part of the economy. San Luis Obispo County is the third largest producer of wine in California, surpassed only by Sonoma and Napa counties. Strawberries are the largest agricultural crop in the county.Template:R

The town of San Simeon is located at the foot of the ridge where newspaper publisher William Randolph Hearst built Hearst Castle. Other coastal towns (listed from north to south) include Cambria, Cayucos, Morro Bay, and Los Osos -Baywood Park. These cities and villages are located northwest of the city of San Luis Obispo. To the south are Avila Beach and the Five Cities region. The Five Cities originally were: Arroyo Grande, Grover Beach (then known as Grover City), Oceano, Fair Oaks and Halcyon. Today, the Five Cities region consists of Pismo Beach, Grover Beach, Arroyo Grande, Oceano, and Shell Beach (which is actually part of Pismo Beach), i.e., essentially the area from Pismo Beach to Oceano. Just south of the Five Cities, San Luis Obispo County borders northern Santa Barbara County. Inland, the cities of Paso Robles, Templeton, and Atascadero lie along the Salinas River, near the Paso Robles wine region. San Luis Obispo lies south of Atascadero and north of the Five Cities region.

History

The prehistory of San Luis Obispo County is strongly influenced by the Chumash people. There has been significant settlement here at least as early as the Millingstone Horizon thousands of years ago. Important settlements existed in coastal areas such as Morro Bay and Los Osos.<ref>Terry L. Jones and Kathryn Klar (2007) California Prehistory: Colonization, Culture, and Complexity, Published by Rowman Altamira Template:ISBN, 408 pages</ref><ref>C. Michael Hogan (2008) Morro Creek, ed. by A. Burnham </ref>

Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa was founded on September 1, 1772, in the area that is now the city of San Luis Obispo. The namesake of the mission, city and county is Saint Louis of Toulouse, the young bishop of Toulouse (Obispo and Tolosa in Spanish) in 1297.

San Luis Obispo County was one of the original counties of California, created in 1850 at the time of statehood.

The Salinas River Valley, a region that figures strongly in several John Steinbeck novels, stretches north from San Luis Obispo County.

Geography

File:Sanluisobispo.jpg

San Luis Obispo

File:Sand dunes - Oceano CA.jpg

Sand dunes - Oceano CA

File:Morro Bay Docks.jpg

Morro Bay Docks

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of Template:Convert, of which Template:Convert is land and Template:Convert (comprising 8.8%) is water.<ref name="GR1">Template:Cite web</ref>

Climate

File:Köppen Climate Classification of San Luis Obispo County.png

Köppen climate types of San Luis Obispo County, California, using 1991–2020 climate normals.

San Luis Obispo County has three main climate types. BSk climate can mainly be found in the eastern portions of the county, along with certain smaller areas in the north. Csa climate can mainly be found in the central portions of the county, in communities such as Paso Robles. The rest of the county is made up of the Csb climate type. The Csb warm-summer mediterranean type climate together with the county's varied landscapes reminds visitors of European locales.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Demographics

Template:US Census population

2020 census

**San Luis Obispo County, California – Racial and ethnic composition**
Template:Nobold
Race / Ethnicity (NH = Non-Hispanic)	Pop 1990<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>	Pop 2000<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>	Pop 2010<ref name=2010CensusP2>Template:Cite web</ref>	Template:Partial<ref name=2020CensusP2>Template:Cite web</ref>	% 1990	% 2000	% 2010	Template:Partial
White alone (NH)	176,246	187,840	191,696	183,468	81.16%	76.15%	71.09%	64.96%
Black or African American alone (NH)	4,325	4,743	5,128	4,330	1.99%	1.92%	1.90%	1.53%
Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH)	1,652	1,490	1,367	1,136	0.76%	0.60%	0.51%	0.40%
Asian alone (NH)	5,774	6,342	8,106	10,001	2.66%	2.57%	3.01%	3.54%
Pacific Islander alone (NH)	N/A	227	346	340	N/A	0.09%	0.13%	0.12%
Other Race alone (NH)	242	365	784	1,614	0.11%	0.15%	0.29%	0.57%
Mixed Race or Multi-Racial (NH)	N/A	5,478	6,237	13,614	N/A	2.22%	2.31%	4.82%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)	28,923	40,196	55,973	67,921	13.32%	16.29%	20.76%	24.05%
Total	217,162	246,681	269,637	282,424	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%

2011

Population, race, and income
Total population<ref name="US-CB-B02001"/>	267,871
White<ref name="US-CB-B02001"/>	224,800	83.9%
Black or African American<ref name="US-CB-B02001"/>	5,882	2.2%
American Indian or Alaska Native<ref name="US-CB-B02001"/>	2,625	1.0%
Asian<ref name="US-CB-B02001"/>	8,693	3.2%
Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander<ref name="US-CB-B02001"/>	280	0.1%
Some other race<ref name="US-CB-B02001"/>	16,666	6.2%
Two or more races<ref name="US-CB-B02001"/>	8,925	3.3%
Hispanic or Latino (of any race)<ref name="US-CB-B03003">U.S. Census Bureau. American Community Survey, 2011 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, Table B03003. U.S. Census website. Retrieved October 26, 2013.</ref>	54,537	20.4%
Per capita income<ref name="US-CB-B19301">U.S. Census Bureau. American Community Survey, 2011 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, Table B19301. U.S. Census website. Retrieved October 21, 2013.</ref>	$30,204
Median household income<ref name="US-CB-B19013">U.S. Census Bureau. American Community Survey, 2011 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, Table B19013. U.S. Census website. Retrieved October 21, 2013.</ref>	$58,630
Median family income<ref name="US-CB-B19113">U.S. Census Bureau. American Community Survey, 2011 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, Table B19113. U.S. Census website. Retrieved October 21, 2013.</ref>	$74,841

Places by population, race, and income

Places by population and race
Place	Type<ref name="US-CB">U.S. Census Bureau. American Community Survey, 2011 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. U.S. Census website. Retrieved October 21, 2013.</ref>	Population<ref name="US-CB-B02001"/>	White<ref name="US-CB-B02001"/>	Other<ref name="US-CB-B02001"/> <ref name="other" group=note>Other = Some other race + Two or more races</ref>	Asian<ref name="US-CB-B02001"/>	Black or African American<ref name="US-CB-B02001"/>	Native American<ref name="US-CB-B02001"/> <ref name="na" group=note>Native American = Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander + American Indian or Alaska Native</ref>	Hispanic or Latino (of any race)<ref name="US-CB-B03003"/>
Arroyo Grande	City	17,132	85.8%	6.7%	5.0%	1.6%	0.8%	12.7%
Atascadero	City	28,194	88.5%	5.7%	1.7%	1.7%	2.4%	13.7%
Avila Beach	CDP	1,086	91.4%	8.6%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	2.2%
Blacklake	CDP	1,014	97.1%	0.0%	1.5%	0.0%	1.4%	0.8%
Callender	CDP	1,531	96.3%	2.2%	1.6%	0.0%	0.0%	42.5%
Cambria	CDP	6,229	91.7%	4.3%	2.7%	0.0%	1.3%	17.1%
Cayucos	CDP	2,822	97.5%	1.8%	0.5%	0.0%	0.2%	6.0%
Creston	CDP	94	79.8%	20.2%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%
Edna	CDP	80	100.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%
El Paso de Robles (Paso Robles)	City	29,270	76.6%	15.1%	2.0%	4.5%	1.8%	35.1%
Garden Farms	CDP	335	100.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%
Grover Beach	City	13,175	81.6%	9.9%	6.0%	1.4%	1.0%	21.0%
Lake Nacimiento	CDP	2,397	96.0%	4.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	12.3%
Los Berros	CDP	920	86.2%	13.8%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	19.8%
Los Osos	CDP	14,950	85.3%	7.5%	6.3%	0.4%	0.5%	12.4%
Los Ranchos	CDP	1,578	91.4%	3.1%	1.5%	0.8%	3.2%	2.1%
Morro Bay	City	10,263	96.0%	1.7%	1.8%	0.1%	0.4%	17.8%
Nipomo	CDP	16,622	84.1%	12.7%	1.3%	1.3%	0.6%	35.0%
Oak Shores	CDP	187	100.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	5.3%
Oceano	CDP	7,456	77.3%	19.4%	1.5%	0.0%	1.8%	47.6%
Pismo Beach	City	7,753	87.6%	7.7%	2.8%	0.6%	1.3%	10.3%
San Luis Obispo	City	45,130	83.2%	8.4%	6.4%	1.6%	0.6%	16.6%
San Miguel	CDP	2,782	64.6%	29.6%	1.3%	0.0%	4.6%	50.8%
San Simeon	CDP	571	48.0%	52.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	72.5%
Santa Margarita	CDP	1,429	95.7%	4.3%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	18.0%
Shandon	CDP	1,150	82.3%	6.9%	0.0%	10.6%	0.3%	46.1%
Templeton	CDP	7,645	88.9%	9.5%	0.7%	0.5%	0.4%	16.4%
Whitley Gardens	CDP	244	58.6%	33.6%	0.0%	7.8%	0.0%	41.4%
Woodlands	CDP	417	89.2%	3.6%	3.8%	0.0%	3.4%	11.8%

Places by population and income
Place	Type<ref name="US-CB"/>	Population<ref name="US-CB-B01003">U.S. Census Bureau. American Community Survey, 2011 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, Table B01003. U.S. Census website. Retrieved October 21, 2013.</ref>	Per capita income<ref name="US-CB-B19301"/>	Median household income<ref name="US-CB-B19013"/>	Median family income<ref name="US-CB-B19113"/>
Arroyo Grande	City	17,132	$34,489	$64,900	$79,188
Atascadero	City	28,194	$32,153	$68,502	$79,818
Avila Beach	CDP	1,086	$45,863	$65,483	$42,107
Blacklake	CDP	1,014	$43,698	$81,417	$105,152
Callender	CDP	1,531	$25,222	$72,917	$91,852
Cambria	CDP	6,229	$46,892	$76,271	$99,550
Cayucos	CDP	2,822	$38,525	$59,130	$69,861
Creston	CDP	94	$43,934	$85,357	$81,250
Edna	CDP	80	$71,853	$115,962	$115,962
El Paso de Robles (Paso Robles)	City	29,270	$26,547	$57,927	$63,864
Garden Farms	CDP	335	$61,822	$111,360	$111,360
Grover Beach	City	13,175	$25,232	$47,708	$63,354
Lake Nacimiento	CDP	2,397	$31,410	$58,542	$62,760
Los Berros	CDP	920	$15,603	$36,096	$36,776
Los Osos	CDP	14,950	$30,967	$57,500	$73,027
Los Ranchos	CDP	1,578	$59,646	$99,028	$104,455
Morro Bay	City	10,263	$33,137	$52,582	$65,833
Nipomo	CDP	16,622	$26,014	$61,265	$68,386
Oak Shores	CDP	187	$44,498	$97,639	$98,542
Oceano	CDP	7,456	$18,363	$37,219	$40,489
Pismo Beach	City	7,753	$44,250	$65,682	$88,971
San Luis Obispo	City	45,130	$25,775	$42,528	$80,560
San Miguel	CDP	2,782	$17,371	$49,097	$42,296
San Simeon	CDP	571	$20,490	$44,583	$51,786
Santa Margarita	CDP	1,429	$19,328	$49,032	$58,672
Shandon	CDP	1,150	$19,050	$65,260	$59,167
Templeton	CDP	7,645	$35,743	$70,820	$92,169
Whitley Gardens	CDP	244	$21,938	$106,250	$129,000
Woodlands	CDP	417	$54,163	$96,250	$89,250

2010

The 2010 United States census reported that San Luis Obispo County had a population of 269,637. The racial makeup of San Luis Obispo County was 222,756 (82.6%) White, 5,550 (2.1%) African American, 2,536 (0.9%) Native American, 8,507 (3.2%) Asian (1.0% Filipino, 0.6% Chinese, 0.4% Japanese, 0.3% Indian, 0.3% Korean, 0.2% Vietnamese), 389 (0.1%) Pacific Islander, 19,786 (7.3%) from other races, and 10,113 (3.8%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 55,973 persons (20.8%); 17.7% of San Luis Obispo County is Mexican, 0.3% Puerto Rican, and 0.2% Salvadoran.<ref>Template:USCensus2010CA</ref>

Population reported at 2010 United States census
The County	Total Population	White	African American	Native American	Asian	Pacific Islander	other races	two or more races	Hispanic or Latino (of any race)
San Luis Obispo County	269,637	222,756	5,550	2,536	8,507	389	19,786	10,113	55,973
Incorporated cities	Total Population	White	African American	Native American	Asian	Pacific Islander	other races	two or more races	Hispanic or Latino (of any race)
Arroyo Grande	17,252	14,710	156	125	595	14	856	796	2,707
Atascadero	28,310	24,457	585	295	685	57	1,205	1,026	4,429
Grover Beach	13,156	9,964	146	186	542	35	1,582	701	3,840
Morro Bay	10,234	8,909	44	92	258	9	613	309	1,526
Paso Robles	29,793	23,158	622	297	593	56	3,916	1,151	10,275
Pismo Beach	7,655	6,976	50	41	203	11	170	204	715
San Luis Obispo	45,119	38,117	523	275	2,350	65	1,973	1,816	6,626
Census-designated places	Total Population	White	African American	Native American	Asian	Pacific Islander	other races	two or more races	Hispanic or Latino (of any race)
Avila Beach	1,627	1,507	13	7	33	0	34	33	111
Blacklake	930	865	8	7	24	0	14	12	70
Callender	1,262	1,003	7	22	48	0	128	54	355
Cambria	6,032	5,166	18	47	78	14	557	152	1,187
Cayucos	2,592	2,366	6	12	54	8	57	89	207
Creston	94	89	0	2	1	0	0	2	6
Edna	193	185	0	3	0	0	5	0	22
Garden Farms	386	348	2	2	5	0	21	8	40
Lake Nacimiento	2,411	2,153	12	44	24	5	75	98	256
Los Berros	641	527	4	1	12	1	45	51	153
Los Osos	14,276	12,304	79	97	748	18	552	478	1,977
Los Ranchos	1,477	1,389	1	2	31	0	18	36	58
Nipomo	16,714	12,281	177	200	421	33	2,821	781	6,645
Oak Shores	337	318	3	2	4	0	4	6	31
Oceano	7,286	5,105	62	120	165	7	1,509	318	3,484
San Miguel	2,336	1,638	65	58	19	1	474	81	1,196
San Simeon	462	270	4	5	9	2	160	12	258
Santa Margarita	1,259	1,077	8	28	34	0	42	70	206
Shandon	1,295	840	34	18	7	2	352	42	693
Templeton	7,674	6,833	59	80	123	10	337	232	1,171
Whitley Gardens	285	260	1	6	1	0	13	4	43
Woodlands	576	541	7	0	18	1	3	6	27
Other unincorporated areas	Total Population	White	African American	Native American	Asian	Pacific Islander	other races	two or more races	Hispanic or Latino (of any race)
All others not CDPs (combined)	47,973	39,400	2,854	462	1,422	40	2,250	1,545	7,659

2000 Census

As of the census<ref name="GR8">Template:Cite web</ref> of 2000, there were 246,681 residents, 92,739 households, and 58,611 families in the county. The population density was Template:Convert. There were 102,275 housing units at an average density of Template:Convert. The racial makeup of the county was 84.6% White, 2.0% Black or African American, 1.0% Native American, 2.7% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 6.2% from other races, and 3.4% from two or more races. 16.3% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 13.9% were of German, 11.4% English, 9.7% Irish, 6.1% American and 5.7% Italian ancestry according to Census 2000. 85.7% spoke English and 10.7% Spanish as their first language.

There were 92,739 households, out of which 28.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.40% were married couples living together, 9.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.8% were non-families. 26.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.49 and the average family size was 3.01.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 21.7% under the age of 18, 13.6% from 18 to 24, 27.0% from 25 to 44, 23.3% from 45 to 64, and 14.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females there were 105.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 105.2 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $42,428, and the median income for a family was $52,447. Males had a median income of $40,726 versus $27,450 for females. The per capita income for the county was $21,864. About 6.8% of families and 12.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.4% of those under age 18 and 5.9% of those age 65 or over.

Economy

File:Club-haired Calochortus (Calochortus clavatus).jpg

Clubhair mariposa lily near SLO city, 2014

The mainstays of the economy are California Polytechnic State University with its almost 20,000 students, tourism, and agriculture. The economic indicators reveal that San Luis Obispo County aligns closely with California regarding median household income and poverty rates. However, the county distinguishes itself through higher educational attainment and homeownership rates, alongside a distinctive employment sector composition favoring agriculture and related industries. Despite these strengths, the county is not immune to challenges, as evidenced by a housing market that is significantly more expensive than the rest of California and growing income inequality. San Luis Obispo County's economy is primarily a service economy. Service jobs account for 38% of the county's jobs, government jobs accounts for 20.7%, and manufacturing jobs represent 6% of the county's jobs.

San Luis Obispo County is the third largest producer of wine in California, surpassed only by Sonoma and Napa counties. Wine grapes are the second largest agricultural crop in the county (after strawberries),<ref name="2020 Crop">Template:Cite web</ref> and the wine production they support creates a direct economic impact and a growing wine country vacation industry.

The county led the state in hemp cultivation in 2018 as hundreds of acres of the crop were grown in research partnerships.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In 2019, nine agricultural research permits were still active. Sixteen commercial permits were issued before a temporary ban on new applications running through June 2020 was passed by the Board of Supervisors.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Politics

Voter registration

Population and registered voters
Total population<ref name="US-CB-B02001">U.S. Census Bureau. American Community Survey, 2011 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, Table B02001. U.S. Census website. Retrieved October 26, 2013.</ref>	267,871
Registered voters<ref name="CA-SS">California Secretary of State. February 10, 2013 - Report of Registration Template:Webarchive. Retrieved October 31, 2013.</ref><ref name="PCT-RV" group=note>Percentage of registered voters with respect to total population. Percentages of party members with respect to registered voters follow.</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>	184,744	58.4%
Democratic<ref name="CA-SS"/>	70,180	38%
Republican<ref name="CA-SS"/>	63,687	34.5%
Democratic–Republican spread<ref name="CA-SS"/>	Template:Color	Template:Color
American Independent<ref name="CA-SS"/>	7,116	3.9%
Green<ref name="CA-SS"/>	972	0.5%
Libertarian<ref name="CA-SS"/>	2,401	1.3%
Peace and Freedom<ref name="CA-SS"/>	566	0.3%
Other<ref name="CA-SS"/>	1,752	1%
No party preference<ref name="CA-SS"/>	37,366	20.2%

Cities by population and voter registration

Cities by population and voter registration
City	Population<ref name="US-CB-B02001"/>	Registered voters<ref name="CA-SS"/> <ref name="PCT-RV" group=note/>	Democratic<ref name="CA-SS"/>	Republican<ref name="CA-SS"/>	D–R spread<ref name="CA-SS"/>	Other<ref name="CA-SS"/>	No party preference<ref name="CA-SS"/>
Arroyo Grande	17,132	65.5%	34.2%	41.8%	Template:Color	8.1%	18.7%
Atascadero	28,194	58.9%	30.8%	43.9%	Template:Color	8.2%	19.8%
El Paso de Robles (Paso Robles)	29,270	52.1%	29.6%	45.3%	Template:Color	8.2%	19.9%
Grover Beach	13,175	50.6%	37.3%	34.0%	Template:Color	9.3%	22.5%
Morro Bay	10,263	68.4%	39.5%	31.6%	Template:Color	9.5%	22.2%
Pismo Beach	7,753	70.4%	32.2%	41.5%	Template:Color	8.9%	20.3%
San Luis Obispo	45,130	59.2%	40.0%	29.1%	Template:Color	9.0%	24.6%

Overview

San Luis Obispo County leaned toward the Republican Party in presidential and congressional elections during most of the 20th century; it has, however, become more Democratic starting in the 2000s. In 2008, Barack Obama won the county with 51.2 percent of the vote.<ref>Map of Election Results, County-by-County: The New York Times</ref> Prior to 2008, the last Democrat to win a majority in the county was Lyndon B. Johnson in 1964, although Bill Clinton won a plurality in 1992. In 2012, Obama again won the county, this time with a slim plurality of the vote. Hillary Clinton won with a larger plurality in 2016; and in 2020, Joe Biden won a solid 55% of the vote, the largest for any Democrat since Johnson.

With respect to the United States House of Representatives, San Luis Obispo County is mostly in Template:Representative, with the northern part of the county in Template:Representative.<ref>Template:Cite GovTrack</ref> From 2003 until 2013, the county was split between the Bakersfield-based 22nd district, which was represented by Republican Kevin McCarthy and included Paso Robles and most of the more conservative inland areas of the county, and Lois Capps' 23rd district, a strip which included most of the county's more liberal coastal areas as well as coastal areas of Santa Barbara and Ventura counties.

With respect to the California State Senate, the county is in Template:Representative. With respect to the California State Assembly, the county is in Template:Representative.

In April 2008, the California Secretary of State reported that there were 147,326 registered voters in San Luis Obispo County. Of those voters, 61,226 (41.6%) were registered Republicans, 52,586 (35.7%) were registered Democratic, 8,030 (5.4%) are registered with other political parties, and 25,484 (17.3%) declined to state a political preference. The cities of Grover Beach, Morro Bay, and San Luis Obispo had pluralities or majorities of registered Democratic voters, whereas the rest of the county's towns, cities, and the unincorporated areas have a plurality or majority of registered Republican voters.Template:Citation needed

Crime

The following table includes the number of incidents reported and the rate per 1,000 persons for each type of offense.

Population and crime rates
Population<ref name="US-CB-B02001"/>	267,871
Violent crime<ref name="CA-DOJ-T11">Office of the Attorney General, Department of Justice, State of California. Table 11: Crimes – 2009 Template:Webarchive. Retrieved November 14, 2013.</ref>	694	2.59
Homicide<ref name="CA-DOJ-T11"/>	4	0.01
Forcible rape<ref name="CA-DOJ-T11"/>	89	0.33
Robbery<ref name="CA-DOJ-T11"/>	106	0.40
Aggravated assault<ref name="CA-DOJ-T11"/>	495	1.85
Property crime<ref name="CA-DOJ-T11"/>	3,009	11.23
Burglary<ref name="CA-DOJ-T11"/>	1,433	5.35
Larceny-theft<ref name="CA-DOJ-T11"/><ref name="LT-note group=note">Only larceny-theft cases involving property over $400 in value are reported as property crimes.</ref>	4,169	15.56
Motor vehicle theft<ref name="CA-DOJ-T11"/>	375	1.40
Arson<ref name="CA-DOJ-T11"/>	88	0.33

Cities by population and crime rates

Cities by population and crime rates
City	Population<ref name="FBI-UCR-T8">United States Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation. Crime in the United States, 2012, Table 8 (California). Retrieved November 14, 2013.</ref>	Violent crimes<ref name="FBI-UCR-T8"/>	Violent crime rate per 1,000 persons	Property crimes<ref name="FBI-UCR-T8"/>	Property crime rate per 1,000 persons
Arroyo Grande	17,568	60	3.42	358	20.38
Atascadero	28,825	192	6.66	658	22.83
Grover Beach	13,398	32	2.39	306	22.84
Morro Bay	10,423	21	2.01	140	13.43
Paso Robles	30,344	91	3.00	777	25.61
Pismo Beach	7,798	36	4.62	305	39.11
San Luis Obispo	45,947	119	2.59	1,971	42.90

Fire protection

Template:Infobox fire department

In unincorporated parts of the county, fire protection and emergency response services have been provided by the San Luis Obispo County Fire Department, through a cooperative agreement with CAL FIRE, since 1930. The county fire department also serves Los Osos, Oceano, and Avila Beach.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The city of San Luis Obispo is served by the San Luis Obispo City Fire Department.

Transportation

Major highways

Template:Div col

Template:Div col end

Public transportation

San Luis Obispo County is served by Amtrak trains and Greyhound Lines buses. The San Luis Obispo Regional Transit Authority provides countywide service along US 101 as well as service to Morro Bay, Los Osos, Cambria and San Simeon.

The cities of San Luis Obispo, Atascadero and Paso Robles operate their own local bus services; all of these connect with SLORTA routes.

File:Oceano County Airport 2013.jpg

Oceano County Airport in 2013

Intercity service is provided by Amtrak trains, Greyhound Lines and Orange Belt Stages buses.

The Amtrak Thruway 18 provides a daily connection to Visalia on the east, and Santa Maria on the west, with several stops in between.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

FlixBus boards from the San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum at 1940 Santa Barbara Avenue.

Airports

San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport (SBP) is located just south of the City of San Luis Obispo. Commercial flights are available.
Paso Robles Municipal Airport (PRB) is located north-east of the City of Paso Robles and is home to California Highway Patrol, CAL-FIRE and the Estrella Warbirds Museum.
Oceano County Airport (L52) is located on the coast in the 5 Cities area.

Future

In the future, SR 46 may be considered for a possible westward expansion of Interstate 40 via SR 58 from Barstow to Bakersfield, from Bakersfield to I-5 via Westside Parkway, and then following SR 46 to Paso Robles.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> SR 46 is slowly being upgraded to Interstate standards, minus overpasses between Interstate 5 and US Route 101.

Communities

Cities

Unincorporated communities

Template:Div col

Template:Div col end

File:Pair of Asterina miniatas Bat stars.jpg

Pair of Bat stars near Los Osos

Population ranking

The population ranking of the following table is based on the 2020 census of San Luis Obispo County.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

† county seat

Rank	City/Town/etc.	Municipal type	Population (2020 Census)
1	† San Luis Obispo	City	47,063
2	Paso Robles (El Paso de Robles)	City	31,490
3	Atascadero	City	29,773
4	Arroyo Grande	City	18,441
5	Nipomo	CDP	18,176
6	Los Osos	CDP	14,465
7	Grover Beach	City	12,701
8	Morro Bay	City	10,757
9	Templeton	CDP	8,386
10	Pismo Beach	City	8,072
11	Oceano	CDP	7,183
12	Cambria	CDP	5,678
13	San Miguel	CDP	3,172
14	Lake Nacimiento	CDP	2,956
15	Cayucos	CDP	2,505
16	Woodlands	CDP	1,933
17	Avila Beach	CDP	1,576
18	Los Ranchos	CDP	1,516
19	Santa Margarita	CDP	1,291
20	Callender	CDP	1,282
21	Shandon	CDP	1,168
22	Blacklake	CDP	1,016
23	Los Berros	CDP	623
24	Garden Farms	CDP	449
25	San Simeon	CDP	445
26	Whitley Gardens	CDP	325
27	Oak Shores	CDP	316
28	Edna	CDP	184
29	Creston	CDP	98

Notes

Template:Reflist

Footnotes