On-Line Atlas of the San Francisco Bay Area

Focus on the Bay Area's Population

Physical attributes such as a superior deep water harbour and a moderate climate have enabled the Bay Area to become a leading centre of economic development, nationally and internationally.  However, other physical features, such as the area's terrain, have limited development in the Bay Area.

The map below shows where people live in the Bay Area.  The map represents people with a dot theme -- one dot for every 2000 people. Where people live in the Bay Area is highly linked to the characteristics of the land. To see this, compare the map below with the map of elevations for the Bay Area.

Bay Area Population Distribution

 

Unlike many other major cities across the continent, urban development in the Bay Area has occurred in "bands" where topography and the local water table permit.  Can you think of any other city that has this kind of characteristic?

The charts below give some additional information about the people of the Bay Area: their age distribution, and their ethnic background. These charts summarize the character of the area as a whole. Charts, used together with maps, can give an overview of important area-wide characteristics while still showing important local details.

Knowing the age distribution of a population gives a clue as to some of the deeper needs and priorities of the people.  For example, the fact that the largest group of people in the area is the 30-39 age group means that the area has many young families.  Businesses that spend time analyzing the needs and wants of young families, and then go out and offer products and services suited to these people, will do very well.  Phenomena such as mini-vans have come about because of businesses offering products that serve a need present in the marketplace.

Information such as demographics and ethnicity show what the people of the Bay Area are like.  By paying attention to details like this, businesses can make sure that what they do in the Bay Area is actually what people want.  Governments using this kind of information can ensure that they offer programs, now and in the future, that are suited to the area's needs.