Have you wondered where San Franciscans come from? Luckily, public voter rolls often indicate the US state or country of origin. Here’s an overall breakdown of where our voters are coming from. Keep in mind that this data only tracks registered San Franciscan voters. This means that many non-residents, or future San Franciscans, who can’t vote or did not register to vote in SF, are excluded from this dataset. This could include large segments from Latin America, Europe and Asia, who have moved here transiently for career oriented purposes.
Most Voters in San Francisco are unsurprisingly from California. Delving deeper into the data, New York is the highest domestic state contributor to our community with about 4% of the overall population and 6% of domestic immigrants. China is the largest source of foreign immigrants, accounting for 8% of the total population and a quarter of international immigrants.
Neighborhoods such as Visitacion Valley, Chinatown, and Ingleside-Excelsior, also among the poorest, boast substantial populations born outside of the US. Conversely, neighborhoods such as the Castro, Marina, and Haight-Ashbury have higher domestic populations, though not necessarily from California. Outside of areas with project housing, neighborhoods with high percentages of California-born residents, are generally wealthier.
The zip code 94124, encompassing the Bayview-Hunters Point neighborhood, stands out for its unique demographic profile. With over half of its population born in California and a significant portion born outside the US, this neighborhood exemplifies the diversity that characterizes San Francisco’s urban fabric. Historically marginalized, Bayview-Hunters Point has experienced waves of immigration, and compartmentalized economic stagnancy.
Similarly, zip code 94132, which includes the Lake Merced area, showcases a balanced mix of California-born and non-US-born residents. This neighborhood’s proximity to the lake and recreational amenities may attract a diverse array of residents seeking a blend of natural beauty and urban convenience. Contrastingly, zip code 94130, comprising Treasure Island, emerges as a notable outlier with a majority of its residents born in California. This could be attributed to factors such as housing projects, and it’s isolated location from the rest of San Francisco, it’s basically a different city.
Analyzing neighborhood-level data allows for a more granular understanding of San Francisco’s demographic landscape. It highlights the interconnectedness of migration patterns, socioeconomic factors, and urban development dynamics shaping the city’s identity. By incorporating these insights into policymaking and urban planning initiatives, San Francisco can better address the needs of its diverse communities and foster an environment of inclusivity and equity. As the city continues to evolve, embracing its status as a global hub of cultural exchange will be instrumental in shaping a future where all residents can thrive.