Santa Clara County, often referred to as "Silicon Valley," is located at the southern end of the San Francisco Bay Area in California. The county is named after Mission Santa Clara, which was established in 1777 and named for Saint Clare of Assisi.
The county is renowned for its affluent, high-tech industry and on-going innovation. Many notable technology companies like Apple, Google, and Facebook have their headquarters located in this county, contributing to a high cost of living and a strong economy.
Covering an area of about 1,300 square miles, the county supports a diverse population, thus offering rich cultural experiences, including various arts and music festivals, and boasts numerous parks and preserves for outdoor leisure activities.
As of the 2020 census, Santa Clara County's population reached about 1.94 million. The county seat and the most populous city in the county is San Jose, which is the tenth most populous city in the United States. Furthermore, the county is served by several colleges and universities, including Stanford University and Santa Clara University.
Santa Clara County also has a commitment to public health with numerous facilities including the renowned Stanford Hospital. The county's Mediterranean climate features warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters.
