San Clemente
citySan Clemente, a coastal city in southern Orange County, California, is known as the "Spanish Village by the Sea" due to its Spanish Colonial Revival architecture. Situated midway between Los Angeles and San Diego, it attracts tourists with its beaches and hospitality industry. The city enjoys a Mediterranean climate with warm temperatures and abundant sunshine. San Clemente's population was 64,293 in 2020, and a 2026 projection estimates 61,832 residents. The economy of San Clemente is diverse, with major employment sectors including professional, scientific, and technical services, manufacturing, and healthcare. The city benefits from its coastal location, with tourism and related industries playing a significant role. San Clemente also boasts a strong sense of community and a high quality of life, making it an attractive place to live and work. San Clemente distinguishes itself through its rich history, distinctive architecture, and commitment to preserving its small-town charm. Founded in 1925 by Ole Hanson, the city was designed as a master-planned community with a Spanish theme. Its historical significance is further enhanced by President Richard Nixon's former vacation residence, the "Western White House," which hosted numerous world leaders.
San Clemente, California
- Classification
- City
- FIPS Code
- 0665084
- Country
- United States
- County
- Orange County
- Region
- Orange Coast region of the South Coast of California
- Elevation
- 233 ft
- Total Area
- 19.1 sq mi
- Land Area
- 18.4 sq mi
- Water Area
- 0.75 sq mi
- Latitude
- 33.426971
- Longitude
- -117.611992
- Climate
- San Clemente has a Mediterranean climate with warm, arid summers and long, cool, partly cloudy winters. The temperature typically varies from 49°F to 77°F.
- Notable Features
- Calafia Cliffs · Coastal Canyons · Beaches
- Neighboring Areas
- Camp Pendleton · Dana Point · San Juan Capistrano · Rancho Mission Viejo
- Population (2020)
- 64,293
- Est. Population (2024)
- 63,273
- Median Age
- 45.6
- Median Income
- $140,062
- Poverty Rate
- 5.8%
- Family Households
- 69.2%
- Owner-Occupied
- 66.5%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- In 2024, the racial composition was approximately 71.6% White, 17% Hispanic, 4.47% Asian, and smaller percentages of other races.
- Government Type
- Council-Manager
- Governing Body
- City Council
- Body Size
- 5 members
- School District
- Capistrano Unified School District
- Municipal Services
- Police · Fire · Public Works · Parks & Recreation · Marine Safety · Animal Services
- Unemployment Rate
- 3.8%
- Economic Profile
- Residential · Suburban · Tourism · Commercial
- Employment Sectors
- Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services · Manufacturing · Health Care & Social Assistance
- Schools
- 16
- Students
- 8,000
- Teachers
- 500
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 22:1
- School Districts
- Capistrano Unified School District
- Transportation
- Interstate 5 · San Clemente Coastal Trail · Amtrak and Metrolink rail service
- Utilities
- Municipal water · Southern California Edison (SCE) for power · Fiber/broadband
- Major Facilities
- Outlets at San Clemente · Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens · San Clemente State Beach
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- San Clemente State Beach · San Clemente Pier · San Onofre State Beach · 23 Parks
- Parks & Trails
- San Clemente Beach Trail · Ridgeline Trails · Coastal Trails · 23 Parks
- Founded
- 1925
- Incorporated
- 1928
- Named After
- San Clemente Island, named by Spanish explorer Sebastián Vizcaíno after Saint Clement
- Historical Significance
- San Clemente is significant as one of California's first master-planned communities, designed with a distinct Spanish architectural style. It gained national prominence as the location of President Nixon's "Western White House."
- Key Events
- Founded by Ole Hanson in 1925 as a master-planned community · Incorporated as a city in 1928 · President Richard Nixon established the "Western White House" in 1969