San Francisco Info
Joined: 05 Jan 2007
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 Posted: Tue Jan 09, 2007 11:37 pm Post subject: SAN FRANCISCO CITY PROFILE / SAN FRANCISCO CITY GUIDE |
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SAN FRANCISCO CITY PROFILE
Introduction
The term "melting pot" is used to describe many American cities and towns. This is indeed true for San Francisco, one of the few truly international cities in the United States. The neighbourhoods are varied, yet each features a cohesiveness as unique as its inhabitants. Rows of elegant houses, the famous cable cars, clusters of ethnic neighbourhoods, and the colourful waterfront all add to the distinctive international flavour of the city. Nearly half of those who live in the Bay Area were born outside of the United States or have at least one non-native parent. The city's well-known hills offer stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay, and feature a wide array of shops, restaurants, and cosmopolitan nightlife. In addition to its diversity and charm, San Francisco is a major financial and insurance centre, an international port and the gateway to Silicon Valley, America's premier high-technology centre. The consistently spring-like weather and unique atmosphere attract corporations as well as visitors, and the solid economic base keeps them there.
The City in Brief
Founded: 1776 (incorporated, 1850)
Head Official: Mayor Gavin Newsom (D) (since 2004)
City Population
1980: 678,974
1990: 723,959
2000: 776,733
2003 estimate: 751,682
Percent change, 1990–2000: 7.3%
U.S. rank in 1980: 13th
U.S. rank in 1990: 14th
U.S. rank in 2000: 18th
Metropolitan Area Population (PMSA)
1980: 1,489,000
1990: 1,603,678
2000: 1,731,183
Percent change, 1990–2000: 7.8%
U.S. rank in 1980: 5th (CMSA)
U.S. rank in 1990: 4th (CMSA)
U.S. rank in 2000: 5th (CMSA)
Geography and Climate
Area: 47 square miles (2000)
Elevation: 155 feet above sea level
Average Annual Temperature: 58.3° F
Average Annual Precipitation: 22.1 inches
Economy
Major Economic Sectors: Services; trade; finance, insurance, and real estate; government
Unemployment Rate: 3.6% (December 2004)
Per Capita Income: $34,556 (2000)
Cost of Living
San Francisco's cost of living is one of the highest in the country, due in part to the tight labour market and the high cost of housing, food, and other consumer goods. It is reported that Bay Area residents possess the third-highest discretionary income in the United States. This is because of the high percentage of an educated workforce and the concentration of jobs in high-paying industries. Its housing market has experienced record-breaking appreciation, with the median home price increasing by nearly 96 percent since the early 1990s. Although the residential property tax is low, because property values are high, the absolute payment is relatively high.
The following is a summary of data regarding several key cost of living factors for the San Francisco area.
2004 (3rd Quarter) ACCRA Average House Price: $846,000
2004 (3rd Quarter) ACCRA Cost of Living Index: 182.4 (U.S. average = 100.0)
State income tax rate: Ranges from 1.0% to 9.3%
State sales tax rate: 6% (public utilities and prescription drugs are exempt)
Local income tax rate: None
Local sales tax rate: 1.25%
Property tax rate: Real-estate (secured property) taxes are set for the 2003–2004 roll year at $1,117 per $100 of full value as determined by the last assessment or as reassessed at the time of sale.
Other Information
2002 FBI Crime Index Total: 42,671
Major Colleges and Universities: San Francisco State University; University of California, San Francisco; University of San Francisco; Golden Gate University
Daily Newspapers: San Francisco Chronicle; San Francisco Examiner |
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