History of San Francisco in Timeline

San Francisco is a major commercial, financial, and cultural hub in Northern California. As of 2024, it's the fourth-most populous city in California and the 17th in the US, with 827,526 residents. Covering 46.9 square miles on the San Francisco Peninsula, it's the fifth-most densely populated U.S. county. San Francisco boasts the highest per capita income among US cities with over 250,000 residents. It's the central city of the 13th-largest US metropolitan area (almost 4.6 million residents) and part of the fifth-largest urban region (over nine million residents).

1900: Golden Gate Park Contributed to Area Development

Between 1870 and 1900, the creation of Golden Gate Park contributed to the development of the area.

1900: First North American Plague Epidemic

In 1900, the first North American plague epidemic, known as the San Francisco plague, began.

1901: San Francisco Character

Around 1901, San Francisco was a major city known for its flamboyant style and thriving arts scene.

1901: Golden Gate University Formed

In 1901, Golden Gate University, a private, nonsectarian university, was formed and located in the Financial District.

1904: End of the San Francisco Plague

The first North American plague epidemic, known as the San Francisco plague, ended in 1904.

April 18, 1906: Earthquake struck San Francisco

On April 18, 1906, a major earthquake struck San Francisco and northern California. Resulting fires destroyed more than three-quarters of the city.

1906: 1906 Earthquake and Fire

In 1906, a major earthquake and subsequent fire destroyed three-quarters of San Francisco.

1906: City Hall Location

In 1906, the City Hall was located in United Nations Plaza.

1906: Earthquake

In 1906, the San Andreas Fault caused a significant earthquake in San Francisco. The threat of major earthquakes plays a large role in the city's infrastructure development.

1906: Post-Earthquake Construction

In the wake of the 1906 earthquake, wealthy San Franciscans built homes in Pacific Heights.

1910: Founding of SPUR

In 1910, the San Francisco Planning and Urban Research Association (SPUR) was founded to address housing quality after the earthquake.

September 1912: Michael O'Shaughnessy Hired

In September 1912, Michael O'Shaughnessy was hired as chief engineer for San Francisco to supervise various construction projects.

1912: First Bay to Breakers footrace

The Bay to Breakers footrace has been held annually since 1912.

1913: San Francisco granted leasehold over Hetch Hetchy Valley

San Francisco was granted a perpetual leasehold over the Hetch Hetchy Valley and watershed in Yosemite National Park by the Raker Act in 1913.

1915: Streetcar System Completion

Between 1915 and 1927, San Francisco's streetcar system was pushed to completion.

1915: Panama-Pacific International Exposition

In 1915, San Francisco celebrated its rebirth at the Panama-Pacific International Exposition.

1918: Twin Peaks Tunnel Construction

In 1918, the construction of the Twin Peaks Tunnel connected southwest neighborhoods to downtown via streetcar, hastening the development of West Portal, and nearby affluent Forest Hill and St. Francis Wood.

1920: Start of Major League Baseball production study

Since 1920, a study examined which U.S. metro areas have produced the most Major Leaguers.

1927: Streetcar System Completion

Between 1915 and 1927, San Francisco's streetcar system was pushed to completion.

1929: Stock Market Crash

In the wake of the 1929 stock market crash, no San Francisco-based bank failed.

December 11, 1932: Lowest Recorded Temperature

On December 11, 1932, the lowest recorded temperature was 27 °F (−3 °C).

1934: Mount Davidson Cross Built

In 1934, a 103-foot tall cross was built on Mount Davidson, San Francisco's tallest hill.

1936: Bay Bridge Completion

The San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge was completed in 1936.

1937: Golden Gate Bridge Completion

The Golden Gate Bridge was completed in 1937.

1939: Golden Gate International Exposition

In 1939, San Francisco celebrated its regained grandeur with the Golden Gate International Exposition.

1940: White Population Percentage

In 1940, non-Hispanic White residents formed 92.5% of the San Francisco population.

1945: United Nations Charter

In 1945, the United Nations Charter was drafted and signed in San Francisco.

1945: Weather Station Opening

The weather station opened in 1945.

1946: 49ers began playing as AAFC league charter member

In 1946, the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League (NFL) began playing as an All-America Football Conference (AAFC) league charter member.

1950: Population Reaches New Highs

By 2000, San Francisco's population reached new highs, surpassing the previous record set in 1950.

1950: Population Loss

From 1950 to 1980, San Francisco lost over 10 percent of its population.

1950: 49ers moved to NFL

In 1950, the San Francisco 49ers moved to the NFL.

1951: Treaty of San Francisco

In 1951, the Treaty of San Francisco re-established peaceful relations between Japan and the Allied Powers.

1955: Dons basketball team to NCAA championships

In 1955, Bill Russell led the San Francisco Dons basketball team to an NCAA championship.

1956: Dons basketball team to NCAA championships

In 1956, Bill Russell led the San Francisco Dons basketball team to an NCAA championship.

1958: Giants moved to San Francisco

Major League Baseball's San Francisco Giants have played in San Francisco since moving from New York in 1958.

1959: Limited Hotel Rooms

In 1959, San Francisco had fewer than thirty-three hundred first-class hotel rooms.

1962: Warriors moved to San Francisco Bay Area

The NBA's Golden State Warriors have played in the San Francisco Bay Area since moving from Philadelphia in 1962.

1967: Summer of Love

In 1967, hippies flocked to Haight-Ashbury, reaching a peak with the Summer of Love.

1968: California Institute of Integral Studies Founded

In 1968, the California Institute of Integral Studies was founded, offering graduate programs in its Schools of Professional Psychology & Health, and Consciousness and Transformation.

1969: 555 California Street completed

Bank of America completed 555 California Street in 1969.

1969: Significant Manufacturing Sector

In 1969, San Francisco had a significant manufacturing sector employing nearly 60,000 workers.

1970: Increase in Hotel Rooms

By 1970, San Francisco's number of first-class hotel rooms increased to nine thousand.

1971: KPOO Established

In 1971, KPOO, an independent, African-American owned and operated noncommercial radio station, was established in San Francisco.

1971: 49ers moved into Candlestick Park

In 1971, the San Francisco 49ers moved into Candlestick Park.

1971: Warriors renamed Golden State Warriors

Prior to the 1971–1972 season, the Warriors were renamed the Golden State Warriors.

1971: The Fillmore closed its doors

The Fillmore closed its doors in 1971 with a final performance by Santana.

December 1972: Coldest Daytime High

In December 1972, the coldest daytime high since the station's opening in 1945 was recorded at 37 °F (3 °C).

1972: Warriors renamed Golden State Warriors prior to season

Prior to the 1972 season, the Warriors were renamed the Golden State Warriors in an attempt to present the team as a representation of the whole state of California.

1972: First San Francisco Pride events

San Francisco Pride events have been held continuously since 1972.

1972: Transamerica Pyramid

The Transamerica Pyramid was completed in 1972, igniting a wave of "Manhattanization".

1973: Sutro Tower Built

In 1973, the Sutro Tower was built between Mount Sutro and the Twin Peaks for KTVU, KRON, and KPIX.

1974: Zebra Murders

In 1974, the Zebra murders left at least 16 people dead.

1975: Last serious Republican challenger lost mayoral election

In 1975, the last serious Republican challenger for city office lost the mayoral election by a narrow margin.

1976: Snowfall on Twin Peaks

In 1976, up to 5 inches of snow fell on Twin Peaks.

1977: Decline in Large Firm Employment

Since 1977, the number of San Franciscans employed by firms of more than 1,000 employees has fallen by half.

1978: Assassination of Harvey Milk

In 1978, Harvey Milk and Mayor George Moscone were assassinated.

January 1980: Sister Cities Agreement with Shanghai

In January 1980, Mayor Dianne Feinstein signed a sister cities agreement with Shanghai during a visit to China.

1980: Population Loss

From 1950 to 1980, San Francisco lost over 10 percent of its population.

1980: San Francisco Recycling Program started

In 1980, the San Francisco Recycling Program, one of the earliest curbside recycling programs, was established.

1980: First Escape from Alcatraz triathlon

The Escape from Alcatraz triathlon has attracted 2,000 top professional and amateur triathletes for its annual race since 1980.

1981: Establishment of Friends of the Urban Forest

In 1981, the non-profit Friends of the Urban Forest was established in San Francisco.

1982: 49ers won Super Bowl title

The San Francisco 49ers won a Super Bowl title in 1982.

1984: First Folsom Street Fair

The Folsom Street Fair (FSF) started in 1984.

1988: Republican presidential or senatorial candidate vote below 20%

Since 1988, San Francisco has not voted more than 20% for a Republican presidential or senatorial candidate.

1989: Demolition of Embarcadero Freeway After Loma Prieta Earthquake

After the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, city leaders demolished the Embarcadero Freeway and a portion of the Central Freeway, converting them into street-level boulevards.

1989: Loma Prieta earthquake

During the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, the Marina district experienced extensive damage to property due to soil liquefaction.

1989: Sanctuary City Declaration

In 1989, San Francisco declared itself a sanctuary city.

1990: Shift Towards High Tech

Beginning in the 1990s, San Francisco's economy diversified away from finance and tourism towards the growing fields of high tech, biotechnology, and medical research. In 1990, technology jobs accounted for just 1 percent of San Francisco's economy.

1990: Increase in Foreign-Born Residents

Between the years of 1990 and 2000, the number of foreign-born residents increased from 33% to nearly 40%.

1991: Average Warmest Night

Between 1991 and 2020, San Francisco recorded an average warmest night at 64 °F (18 °C).

1993: Free syringes distribution by the Department of Public Health

Since 1993, the San Francisco Department of Public Health has distributed 400,000 free syringes every month, aiming to reduce HIV and other health risks for drug users, as well as providing disposal sites and services.

1994: CNET Founded

In 1994, CNET was founded and based in San Francisco.

1994: The Fillmore reopened

The Fillmore reopened in 1994 with a show by the Smashing Pumpkins.

1995: Salon.com Founded

In 1995, Salon.com was founded and based in San Francisco.

1995: SFMOMA moved to current building

In 1995, The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) moved to its current building in the South of Market neighborhood.

1995: 49ers won Super Bowl title

The San Francisco 49ers won a Super Bowl title in 1995.

1998: Wattis Institute for Contemporary Arts founded

Wattis Institute for Contemporary Arts was founded in 1998 and is part of the California College of the Arts.

1999: Job Growth Rate

Between the years of 1999 and 2000, the job growth rate was 4.9%, creating over 50,000 jobs in technology firms and internet content production.

2000: Increase in Foreign-Born Residents

Between the years of 1990 and 2000, the number of foreign-born residents increased from 33% to nearly 40%.

2000: Job Growth Rate

Between the years of 1999 and 2000, the job growth rate was 4.9%, creating over 50,000 jobs in technology firms and internet content production.

2000: Population Reaches New Highs

By 2000, San Francisco's population reached new highs, surpassing the previous record set in 1950.

2000: Private Vehicle Commuting in San Francisco

In 2000, 48.6% of San Francisco residents commuted by driving alone or carpooling in private vehicles.

2000: Opening of Oracle Park

Oracle Park, where the Giants play, opened in 2000.

2001: High Pedestrian Fatality Rate

In 2001, San Francisco saw a high rate of pedestrian fatalities.

2001: City CarShare Opened

In 2001, San Francisco was an early adopter of carsharing in America when the non-profit City CarShare opened, followed closely by Zipcar.

2001: Dot-com Bubble Burst

In 2001, the dot-com bubble burst, causing many startup companies to fold and lay off employees.

2002: Fight Hunger Bowl college football game hosted at Oracle Park

From 2002, Oracle Park hosted the annual Fight Hunger Bowl college football game.

2003: Mission Bay campus opening

In 2003, the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) opened a 43-acre Mission Bay campus to complement its original facility. The new campus contains research space and facilities to foster biotechnology and life sciences entrepreneurship.

2004: Publicity Campaign for Small Businesses

In 2004, the Small Business Commission started a publicity campaign to keep a larger share of retail dollars in the local economy.

2004: Payroll Tax Exemption for Biotechnology

In 2004, the city approved a payroll tax exemption for biotechnology companies to foster growth in the Mission Bay neighborhood.

2006: Small Businesses Dominate

In 2006, small businesses with fewer than 10 employees and self-employed firms made up 85% of city establishments.

2006: Baseline Counts for Cyclists

The 2010 Municipal Transportation Agency (MTA) referenced the 2006 baseline counts for cyclists.

2007: Median Household Income

In 2007, San Francisco ranked third among American cities in median household income, with a value of $65,519. Median family income was $81,136.

2007: Healthy San Francisco program expanded

In 2007, the city expanded its Medicaid and other indigent medical programs into the Healthy San Francisco program, subsidizing certain medical services for eligible residents.

2008: Estimated Bicycle Trips

In 2008, the MTA estimated that about 128,000 trips were made by bicycle each day in the city, or 6% of total trips.

December 2010: Sunset Reservoir Solar Project Opens

In December 2010, the Sunset Reservoir Solar Project, which installed 24,000 solar panels, opened, more than tripling the city's solar generation capacity with its 5-megawatt plant.

2010: United States Census

According to the 2010 United States census, San Francisco's population was 8.5% lower than in 2020.

2010: Languages Spoken at Home

As of 2010, 55% (411,728) of San Francisco residents spoke only English at home, while 19% (140,302) spoke a variety of Chinese (mostly Taishanese and Cantonese), 12% (88,147) Spanish, 3% (25,767) Tagalog, and 2% (14,017) Russian.

2010: Ethnic Demographics

In 2010, residents of Chinese ethnicity constituted the largest single ethnic minority group in San Francisco at 21% of the population; other large Asian groups include Filipinos (5%) and Vietnamese (2%).

2010: Technology Job Growth

In 2010, technology jobs accounted for 4 percent of San Francisco's economy.

2010: Increase in Cyclists

The 2010 Municipal Transportation Agency (MTA) annual bicycle count showed the number of cyclists at 33 locations had increased 58% from the 2006 baseline counts.

2010: Giants won World Series title

The San Francisco Giants won a World Series title in 2010.

2011: Manufacturing Jobs Doubling

By 2014, San Francisco has seen a small resurgence in manufacturing, with more than 4,000 manufacturing jobs across 500 companies, doubling since 2011. The largest manufacturing employer is Anchor Brewing Company, and the largest by revenue is Timbuk2.

2011: Bloomberg West Launched

In 2011, Bloomberg West was launched from a studio on the Embarcadero in San Francisco.

2011: Ed Lee selected by the board

In 2011, Ed Lee was selected by the board to finish the term of Gavin Newsom, who resigned to take office as Lieutenant Governor of California.

2011: SFO Passenger Traffic in 2011

In 2011, San Francisco International Airport (SFO) was the eighth-busiest airport in the U.S. and the 22nd-busiest in the world, handling over 40.9 million passengers.

2011: Crime Statistics

In 2011, San Francisco reported 50 murders, about 134 rapes, 3,142 robberies, about 2,139 assaults, about 4,469 burglaries, 25,100 thefts, and 4,210 motor vehicle thefts.

2012: Giants won World Series title; San Francisco ranked No. 1 in producing Major Leaguers

In 2012, the San Francisco Giants won a World Series title. Also in 2012, San Francisco was ranked No. 1 in a study that examined which U.S. metro areas have produced the most Major Leaguers since 1920.

August 2013: Bay Area Bike Share Launched

In August 2013, Bay Area Bike Share (later named Bay Wheels) was launched with 700 bikes in downtown San Francisco, selected cities in the East Bay, and San Jose.

2013: Venture Capital Investments

By the end of 2013, technology jobs accounted for an estimated 8 percent of San Francisco's economy. In 2013, San Francisco attracted 423 venture capital financings worth US$4.58 billion.

2013: Pedestrian Traffic Deaths

In 2013, 21 pedestrians were killed in vehicle collisions, the highest since 2001.

2013: Pedestrian and Driver Fatalities in San Francisco

In 2013, 25 pedestrians were killed by car and truck drivers while walking and biking in the city, and 9 car drivers and passengers were killed in collisions.

2013: 'Due Process for All' Ordinance

In 2013, San Francisco strengthened its sanctuary city stance with the 'Due Process for All' ordinance, preventing local authorities from holding immigrants for immigration offenses without violent felonies and allowing Resident ID Cards regardless of immigration status.

2013: Record Low Rainfall

In 2013, a record low of 5.59 inches of rainfall was recorded at downtown San Francisco.

2013: Attendance of San Francisco Pride events reaches 1.5 million

In 2013, over 1.5 million people attended San Francisco Pride events, around 500,000 more than the previous year.

2013: SFMOMA closed for renovation and expansion

SFMOMA closed for renovation and expansion in 2013.

2013: San Francisco hosted the America's Cup yacht racing competition

San Francisco hosted the 2013 America's Cup yacht racing competition.

2013: SFJAZZ Center opened

The SFJAZZ Center opened in 2013, hosting jazz performances year round.

2013: Fight Hunger Bowl college football game hosted at Oracle Park

Until 2013, Oracle Park hosted the annual Fight Hunger Bowl college football game before it moved to Santa Clara.

September 25, 2014: Pier 27 Terminal Project Opens

On September 25, 2014, the new Terminal Project at Pier 27 opened, replacing the old Pier 35.

2014: Highest quality of living of any U.S. city

According to a 2014 quality of life survey of global cities, San Francisco had the highest quality of living of any U.S. city.

2014: Religious Groupings

According to a 2014 study by the Pew Research Center, the largest religious groupings in San Francisco's metropolitan area are Christians (48%), followed by those of no religion (35%), Hindus (5%), Jews (3%), Buddhists (2%), Muslims (1%).

2014: Resurgence in Manufacturing

As of 2014, San Francisco has seen a small resurgence in manufacturing, with more than 4,000 manufacturing jobs across 500 companies, doubling since 2011. The largest manufacturing employer is Anchor Brewing Company, and the largest by revenue is Timbuk2.

2014: San Francisco Commits to Vision Zero

In 2014, San Francisco committed to Vision Zero, with the goal of ending all traffic fatalities caused by motor vehicles within the city by 2024.

2014: Decline in Private Vehicle Commuting

In 2014, only 41.3% of San Francisco residents commuted by driving alone or carpooling in private vehicles, a decline from 48.6% in 2000.

2014: 49ers moved to Santa Clara

In 2014, the San Francisco 49ers left San Francisco and moved approximately 50 miles south to Santa Clara to play at Levi's Stadium.

2014: Homicide Statistics

In the first six months of 2015 there were 25 murders compared to 14 in the first six months of 2014, but the murder rate is still lower than in past decades.

2014: Giants won World Series title

The San Francisco Giants won a World Series title in 2014.

June 2, 2015: Median rent reported to be as high as $4,225

On June 2, 2015, the median rent in San Francisco was reported to be as high as $4,225.

2015: CNBC Broadcasts from One Market Plaza

In 2015, CNBC began broadcasting from One Market Plaza in San Francisco.

2015: Warriors in NBA Finals

In 2015, the Golden State Warriors made the NBA Finals.

2015: San Francisco spends more per resident than any city other than Washington, D.C.

In FY 2015–2016, the City of San Francisco spent more per resident than any city other than Washington, D.C.

2015: Increase in Murders

In the first six months of 2015 there were 25 murders compared to 14 in the first six months of 2014, but the murder rate is still lower than in past decades.

2015: San Francisco LGBTQ adults at 6.2%

Survey data released in 2015 by Gallup places the proportion of LGBTQ adults in the San Francisco metro area at 6.2%, the highest proportion of the 50 most populous metropolitan areas as measured by the polling organization.

May 14, 2016: SFMOMA reopened with expansion

On May 14, 2016, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art reopened with an addition, designed by Snøhetta, that has doubled the museum's size.

2016: Homicide Increase

According to the San Francisco Police Department, in 2016, there were 59 murders in the city, an annual total that marked a 13.5% increase in the number of homicides (52) from 2015.

2016: Low Rating by Small Businesses

By 2016, San Francisco was rated low by small businesses in a Business Friendliness Survey.

2016: Tourism Statistics

In 2016, San Francisco attracted the fifth-highest number of foreign tourists of any city in the United States. More than 25 million visitors arrived, adding US$9.96 billion to the economy.

2016: Spending Increase for Homelessness Services

In 2016, San Francisco increased spending to service the growing population homelessness crisis by $241 million to total $275 million, compared to a budget of just $34 million the previous year.

2016: Employment Distribution by Sector

In 2016, approximately 27% of workers in San Francisco were employed in professional business services; 14% in leisure and hospitality; 13% in government services; 12% in education and health care; 11% in trade, transportation, and utilities; and 8% in financial activities.

2016: Municipal budget for fiscal year

The municipal budget for fiscal year 2015–16 was $8.99 billion, and is one of the largest city budgets in the United States. In FY 2015-2016 the City of San Francisco spent over $10,000 per resident.

September 1, 2017: Highest Recorded Temperature

On September 1, 2017, the highest recorded temperature at the official National Weather Service downtown observation station was 106 °F (41 °C).

December 12, 2017: Ed Lee died; London Breed temporarily replaced him

Ed Lee died on December 12, 2017 and was temporarily replaced by San Francisco Board of Supervisors President London Breed.

2017: Bay Area Bike Share Expansion

In 2017, Bay Area Bike Share underwent a major expansion and rebranding as Ford GoBike.

2017: Homeless Count Increase

In 2017, the count of homeless people in San Francisco was 6,858, this was an increase of more than 17% over the count from 2019. In 2017-2018, the budget for combatting homelessness stood at $305 million.

2017: Establishment of San Francisco Shock

San Francisco established the Overwatch League's Esports team, San Francisco Shock in 2017.

January 2018: UN Rapporteur Shocked by Homelessness Crisis

In January 2018, a United Nations special rapporteur on homelessness, Leilani Farha, expressed being "completely shocked" by San Francisco's homelessness crisis during a visit to the city and compared the conditions to those in Mumbai.

January 23, 2018: Mark Farrell appointed to finish Lee's term

On January 23, 2018, Supervisor Mark Farrell was appointed by the Board of Supervisors to finish Ed Lee's term.

2018: Jewish Population and Religion

According to a 2018 study by the Jewish Community Federation of San Francisco, Jews make up 10% (80,000) of the city's population, making Judaism the second-largest religion in San Francisco after Christianity.

2018: Combined Statistical Area Population

As of 2018, the San Jose-San Francisco-Oakland, CA Combined Statistical Area had a population of over 9.6 million.

2018: "Poop Patrol" Formed

During the first half of 2018, complaints about human feces on San Francisco sidewalks were the second-most-frequent complaint of city residents, with about 65 calls per day. The city formed a "poop patrol" to combat the problem.

2018: Jewish Population

In 2018, Jewish Americans made up an estimated 10% (80,000) of the city's population.

2018: Dog Population Exceeds Children

In 2018, an emigration of middle-class families led to San Francisco having a lower proportion of children than any other large American city, with the dog population exceeding the child population of 115,000.

2018: Fifth in the U.S. for park access and quality

San Francisco ranks fifth in the U.S. for park access and quality in the 2018 ParkScore ranking of the top 100 park systems across the United States, according to the nonprofit Trust for Public Land.

2019: Protected Bike Lanes

As of 2019, 2.6% of the city's streets have protected bike lanes, with 28 miles of protected bike lanes in the city.

2019: Traffic Fatalities in San Francisco

In 2019, 42 people were killed in traffic collisions in San Francisco.

2019: Chase Center Opens

In 2019, Chase Center opened as the new home of the Golden State Warriors.

2019: Bay Area Bike Share Renamed to Bay Wheels

In 2019, Ford GoBike received its current name, Bay Wheels.

2019: Homeless Count and Budget

In 2019, San Francisco's point-in-time count found 8,035 homeless people, with 5,180 living on the streets. 26% cited job loss, 18% cited substance abuse, and 13% cited eviction as primary causes of homelessness. The city budgeted $368 million for homelessness services in 2019-2020.

2019: Warriors in NBA Finals

In 2019, the Golden State Warriors made the NBA Finals.

2019: San Francisco Shock won the championship title

In 2019, the San Francisco Shock won the Overwatch League championship title.

2019: Golden Gate Bridge Retrofitting

Starting in 2019, as part of the retrofitting of the Golden Gate Bridge and installation of a suicide barrier, the railings on the west side of the pedestrian walkway were replaced with thinner, more flexible slats.

May 2020: Sanctioned Homeless Encampments

In May 2020, San Francisco officially sanctioned homeless encampments.

June 2020: Reports of Loud Hum from Golden Gate Bridge

Starting in June 2020, reports were received of a loud hum produced by the new railing slats on the Golden Gate Bridge, heard across the city when a strong west wind was blowing.

2020: GDP Ranking

As of 2020, the San Francisco metropolitan area, with 4.5 million residents, ranked 5th by GDP ($874 billion) across the OECD countries.

2020: Average Warmest Night

Between 1991 and 2020, San Francisco recorded an average coldest day at 49 °F (9 °C).

2020: African American Population

In 2020, African Americans constituted about 5% of San Francisco's population.

2020: San Francisco Shock won the championship title

In 2020, the San Francisco Shock won back-to-back championship title in the Overwatch League.

2020: Proposed Budget for Homelessness Services

In the proposed 2020–2021 budget the city budgeted $850 million for homelessness services.

2020: United States Census

The 2020 United States census showed San Francisco's population to be 873,965, an increase of 8.5% from the 2010 census.

2021: Sea Level Rise Projection

As of 2021, sea levels are projected to rise by as much as 5 feet (1.5 m), resulting in periodic flooding, rising groundwater levels, and lowland floods from more severe storms.

2021: Car Break-ins

In 2021, San Francisco gained a reputation for car break-ins, with over 19,000 incidents occurring.

2021: San Francisco Ranked Most Walkable City

In 2021, Walk Score ranked San Francisco the most walkable city in the United States.

2021: Proposed Budget for Homelessness Services

In the proposed 2020–2021 budget the city budgeted $850 million for homelessness services.

2022: Median Home Value

As of the first quarter of 2022, the median value of homes in San Francisco County was $1,297,030, ranking third in the U.S. for counties with the highest median home value.

2022: Measure to Protect JFK Drive Passed

In 2022 a measure on the ballot passed to protect JFK drive in Golden Gate Park as a pedestrian and biking space with 59% of voters in favor.

2022: Tourism in San Francisco

In 2022, San Francisco received over 1.7 million international visitors and approximately 20 million domestic visitors.

2022: Warriors won NBA Championship

In 2022, the Golden State Warriors won the franchise's first championship while residing in San Francisco proper.

2022: San Francisco Art Institute Closed

In 2022, the San Francisco Art Institute, which was founded in 1871 and was the oldest art school west of the Mississippi, closed.

2023: San Francisco Income Rankings

As of 2023, San Francisco is ranked first among U.S. cities proper with over 250,000 residents by per capita income and sixth by aggregate income. The San Jose–San Francisco–Oakland combined statistical area had an estimated population of over nine million in 2023.

2023: Muni is eighth-largest transit system

As of 2023, the San Francisco Municipal Railway (Muni) is the eighth-largest transit system in the United States.

2023: GDP Growth

In 2023, GDP in the five-county San Francisco metropolitan area grew 3.4% in real terms to $779 billion. As of 2023, San Francisco County ranked 11th by income per capita among U.S. counties, with a per capita personal income of $164,807.

2023: San Francisco GDP

In 2023, San Francisco proper had a GDP of $263.1 billion and a GDP per capita of $325,000.

April 2024: Crime Figures Decrease

According to statistics released by SFPD in April 2024, the crime figures were down in the first 100 days of the year, namely in terms of robberies, burglaries and larceny. In the first half of 2024, San Francisco experienced a 32% decrease in overall crime compared to the previous year.

2024: Homeless Population Count

According to San Francisco's Point-in-Time (PIT) count, the homeless population in 2024 was approximately 8,323 individuals. Additionally, over 20,000 people in the city were seeking homeless services.

2024: San Francisco Population

As of 2024, San Francisco has a population of 827,526 residents, making it the fourth-most populous city in California.

2024: Salesforce Largest Private-Sector Employer

As of 2024, the largest private-sector employer in San Francisco is Salesforce, with 11,953 employees.

2024: Global Financial Centres Index Ranking

In 2024, the Global Financial Centres Index ranked San Francisco as the fifth-most competitive financial center in the world.

2024: Target Date for Vision Zero in San Francisco

San Francisco's Vision Zero plan has a goal of ending all traffic fatalities caused by motor vehicles within the city by 2024.

2025: Zero-waste goal

San Francisco's zero-waste goal aims to divert 100% of waste from landfills by 2025.

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