San Bernardino
citySan Bernardino, the county seat of San Bernardino County, California, is located in the Inland Empire region of Southern California. As of 2020, the city had a population of 222,101, making it the 18th most populous city in California. San Bernardino serves as the economic, cultural, and political hub of the San Bernardino Valley, sharing this distinction with its twin city of Riverside. Historically a major trading hub, San Bernardino's economy today is supported by aerospace, electronics, transportation, warehousing, retail trade, and healthcare. The city is home to California State University, San Bernardino, contributing to its role as a college town. The governments of El Salvador, Guatemala, and Mexico have established consulates in the downtown area. Founded in 1810 and incorporated in 1854, San Bernardino's history is rich with influences from Spanish missionaries, Mexican settlers, and Mormon emigrants. The city is named after Saint Bernardino of Siena. Its location at the base of the San Bernardino Mountains offers both scenic beauty and access to outdoor recreation.
San Bernardino, California
- Classification
- City
- Country
- United States
- County
- San Bernardino County
- Region
- Inland Empire
- Elevation
- 1,049 ft
- Total Area
- 59.6 sq mi
- Land Area
- 59.2 sq mi
- Water Area
- 0.4 sq mi
- Latitude
- 34.0615
- Longitude
- -117.2916
- Climate
- Hot-summer Mediterranean climate with mild winters. Snow flurries occasionally occur in winter.
- Notable Features
- San Bernardino Mountains · San Bernardino National Forest · Santa Ana River · San Andreas Fault
- Neighboring Areas
- Highland · Redlands · Colton · Fontana · Rialto
- Population (2020)
- 222,101
- Est. Population (2026)
- 226,103
- Median Age
- 32.2
- Median Income
- $67,415
- Poverty Rate
- 18.62%
- Owner-Occupied
- 50%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- The racial composition of San Bernardino includes 70.2% Hispanic, 11.9% White, and 10.6% Black or African American.
- Government Type
- Mayor-Council
- Governing Body
- City Council
- School District
- San Bernardino City Unified School District
- Municipal Services
- Police · Fire · Public Works · Parks & Recreation · Library · Animal Services · Code Enforcement · Community Development & Housing
- Unemployment Rate
- 10.6%
- Economic Profile
- Commercial hub · Transportation hub
- Employment Sectors
- Transportation & Warehousing · Retail Trade · Health Care & Social Assistance
- Major Employers
- Stater Bros. Markets · Arrowhead Credit Union · San Manuel Casino · Mission Foods
- Students
- 44,712
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 23:1
- Graduation Rate
- 92.5%
- School Districts
- San Bernardino City Unified School District
- Colleges & Universities
- California State University, San Bernardino · San Bernardino Valley College
- Transportation
- Interstate 215 · State Route 210 · Metrolink commuter rail · San Bernardino International Airport
- Utilities
- Municipal water · Power · Broadband/Fiber
- Major Facilities
- Hospital · Airport · Convention Center
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- San Bernardino National Forest · Big Bear Lake · Lake Arrowhead
- Parks & Trails
- City parks · Regional park trail systems
- Founded
- 1810
- Incorporated
- 1854
- Named After
- Saint Bernardino of Siena
- Historical Significance
- Important trading hub and transportation center in Southern California.
- Key Events
- Establishment of Mission San Bernardino in 1810 · Mormon settlement in 1851 · Incorporation as a city in 1854 · Arrival of the California Southern Railroad in 1883