by As the birthplace of Alta-California, San Diego County brims with history. From its Spanish roots to the modern-day PGA Tour Farmers Insurance Open, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city.
A largely coastal area, the region boasts an equable climate. Its little precipitation comes mainly during the winter.
Climate
San Diego County has an arid Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. Rainfall is primarily concentrated in the cooler half of the year, December through March, although subtropical moisture from the North American Monsoon can increase humidity and thunderstorms during the summer.
The region is prone to droughts and floods, as well as hurricanes. In recent years, the City has completed a climate change hazard vulnerability assessment and is in the process of developing a Climate Resilient SD plan to ensure that residents will continue to thrive in a changing climate.
The average hourly wind speed and direction vary throughout the year, but are calmer in the summer. This is due to the fact that most of the air travels over land, rather than sea, which reduces wind speeds. The cloud cover also varies from month to month. Marine layer clouds, which cause cool temperatures and dense fog in the morning, are common in May and June. Locals often refer to this phenomenon as “May gray” or “June gloom.”
Population
With more than 3.3 million residents, San Diego county is one of the largest counties in California. It is a popular vacation destination due to its sandy beaches and warm weather.
It is also a thriving economic center with many industries, including aerospace manufacturing, tuna fishing and multiple universities. The city of San Diego itself has a population of nearly 1.3 million.
The area is dominated by whites, but has a large Hispanic population as well. There are also a number of Asian and Pacific Islanders in the region.
The county is home to many military bases, including Naval Base San Diego and Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. The United States Department of Defense estimates that about 30,000 military personnel call North County home.
Economy
The San Diego County economy is a blend of military, healthcare and innovation sectors. It has a high level of resiliency in recessions, according to Ray Major, chief economist at the San Diego Association of Governments.
A significant portion of the work force is derived from in-migration, creating a diverse population. The city of San Diego works closely with the San Diego Workforce Partnership, a nonprofit community corporation that supports workforce development and employers.
As a leading tourist destination, San Diego offers a wide variety of attractions to suit visitors’ every interest. Some of the most popular include Balboa Park, which houses museums and a famed zoo, the sunny beaches of La Jolla and Del Mar, and the historic district of Old Town.
East of San Diego, the countryside stretches along the coast of the Salton Sea, with desert scenery, forested towns, and charming small cities such as Julian. The 600,000-acre Anza Borrego Desert State Park provides nature-minded travelers with endless opportunities to hike, camp, fish, and observe wildlife.
Environment
The environment is the natural resources that a community stewards and protects, including air, water, land and natural habitats. It also includes the structures and policies that can improve people’s well-being.
San Diego County is home to a diverse array of natural resources, from the desert in the East County to the coastal coastline with its mild Mediterranean climate to the mountains in the North County. Whether you’re hiking, camping, fishing or enjoying the scenery of one of San Diego’s many parks and beaches, there’s always something to see and do in the region’s varied natural wonders.
Environmental protection is a key priority in San Diego County, as evidenced by a robust enforcement program. The Economic Crimes Unit investigates and prosecutes violations of environmental laws that threaten the natural environment or endanger public health.