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Mountain View

city

Mountain View, California, nestled in Santa Clara County, is a vibrant city within the San Francisco Bay Area, renowned as a cornerstone of Silicon Valley. As of 2020, the city's population was 82,376, with estimates placing it closer to 89,587 in 2026. Mountain View offers a blend of urban amenities and suburban charm, attracting a diverse population of tech professionals, families, and young adults. Mountain View's economy is heavily driven by the technology sector, with major employers like Google, Intuit, and Microsoft maintaining significant presences. The city is also home to the NASA Ames Research Center, further solidifying its role as a hub for innovation and scientific advancement. This concentration of high-tech industries contributes to a thriving job market and a high median household income. What sets Mountain View apart is its pivotal role in the history and evolution of Silicon Valley. From the establishment of Shockley Semiconductor Laboratory in 1956 to its current status as the headquarters of global tech giants, Mountain View has consistently been at the forefront of technological progress. The city also boasts a rich cultural scene, with attractions like the Computer History Museum and the Shoreline Amphitheatre, as well as numerous parks and trails that enhance the quality of life for its residents.

Mountain View, California

Overview
Classification
City
FIPS Code
06-49670
Country
United States
County
Santa Clara County
Geography
Region
San Francisco Bay Area
Elevation
105 ft
Total Area
12.236 sq mi
Land Area
11.958 sq mi
Water Area
0.278 sq mi
Latitude
37.38611
Longitude
-122.08389
Climate
Mountain View has a warm-summer Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. The temperature typically varies from 44°F to 76°F.
Notable Features
Santa Cruz Mountains · San Francisco Bay
Neighboring Areas
Palo Alto · Los Altos · Sunnyvale
Demographics
Population (2020)
82,376
Est. Population (2026)
89,587
Median Age
35.5
Median Income
$189,917
Poverty Rate
3.2%
Racial & Ethnic Composition
The racial composition of Mountain View includes 39.61% White, 36.32% Asian, 6.67% other race, and smaller percentages for Black or African American, Native American and multiracial populations.
Governance
Government Type
Council–manager
Governing Body
City Council
School District
Mountain View Whisman School District
Municipal Services
Police · Fire · Public Works · Parks & Recreation · Library
Economy
Unemployment Rate
3.5%
Economic Profile
Commercial · Technology-driven
Employment Sectors
Technology · Healthcare · Retail · Education
Major Employers
Google · Intuit · El Camino Hospital
Education
Schools
12
Students
4,591
Student-Teacher Ratio
19:1
School Districts
Mountain View Whisman School District · Mountain View-Los Altos Union High School District
Colleges & Universities
Carnegie Mellon University Silicon Valley
Infrastructure
Transportation
U.S. Route 101 · State Route 85 · Caltrain · VTA Light Rail · Buses · MVgo Shuttles
Utilities
Municipal water · Gas & Electric · Fiber/broadband
Major Facilities
El Camino Hospital
Recreation
Outdoor Access
Yes
Major Recreation Areas
Shoreline Park · Stevens Creek Trail
Parks & Trails
Shoreline Park · Stevens Creek Trail · City Parks
History
Founded
1852
Incorporated
1902
Named After
Views of the Santa Cruz Mountains
Historical Significance
Integral to the early history and growth of Silicon Valley
Key Events
Settled as a stagecoach station · Became a shipping point for fruit and grain · Home to Moffett Field Naval Air Station · Establishment of NASA Ames Research Center