With a warm Mediterranean climate, central location and high quality of life, San Luis Obispo consistently ranks among the most desirable places to live in the nation. An abundance of activities and opportunities, everything from green hills to sundrenched beaches and a highly educated and creative workforce makes this lively university town a great place to live and pursue your passions.
Workforce
Human capital is a business’ greatest asset. With close proximity to Cal Poly and Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo attracts a young, affordable, educated and creative workforce.
Cutting edge programs like the Aviation Maintenance Technician Program at Cuesta College and new and expanding programs at Allan Hancock College are providing valuable training in jobs of the future.
Cal Poly is graduating approximately 4,000 people annually to help equip local companies. For the past 18 years U.S. News & World Report magazine has rated Cal Poly as the best public-master’s university in the West. And the Wall Street Journal says that the Business and Engineering schools produce among the best hires in the country out of all private and public schools.
Labor Force
(State of California EDD) SLO County CA
Labor Force 136,100 19,065,800
Unemployment rate 2.8% 4.1%
Employment by Industry
State of California EDD SLO County
Government 23,600
Trade, Transportation
& Utilities 20,500
Leisure & Hospitality 19,500
Education & Health Services 18,900
Manufacturing 8,400
Mining, Logging &
Construction 9,400
Other Services 4,100
Total Farm 4,600
Key Industries
San Luis Obispo County and all city partners, including San Luis Obispo City, have identified five clusters of opportunity, based on industry data, as hubs of current and future activity in San Luis Obispo County. These clusters are:
The Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) Cluster is made up of a range of businesses including: computer systems design, software publishers, colleges, universities and professional schools, advertising services, printing services, as well as general professional, scientific, management and technical services.
Click here for more information on the Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) cluster
The Biotechnology and Biomedical Devices Cluster contains: aerospace product manufacturing, basic and agricultural chemical manufacturing, electrical equipment manufacturing, medical equipment and supply manufacturing, pharmaceutical manufacturing, transportation and navigation equipment manufacturing, agricultural and construction machinery manufacturing, plastics and rubber manufacturing, motor vehicle and parts manufacturing, metalwork manufacturing, and cement and concrete manufacturing.
Click here for more information on the Biotechnology and Biomedical Devices cluster
The Healthcare Cluster includes: home health care services, elderly community care facilities, medical and diagnostic laboratories, outpatient care centers, acute care hospitals, doctor’s offices, dentist’s offices, ambulatory services, and biosciences and medical products.
Click here for more information on the Healthcare cluster
The Building and Design Cluster is comprised of: architectural and engineering services, building construction, building equipment and finishing, foundation, structure, building exterior contractors, heavy and civil engineering construction, land subdivision, utility system construction, green energy implementation, and roadway and bridge construction.
Click here for more information on the Building and Design cluster
The Defense, Aerospace and Transportation Manufacturing Cluster contains: small arms and ordinance manufacturing; motor vehicle supplies and new parts merchant wholesalers; motorcycle, bicycle, and parts manufacturing; ship building and repairing; machinists; laborers and freight, stock and material movers; and light truck or delivery services drivers.
Click here for more information on the Defense, Aerospace and Transportation Manufacturing cluster
Energy consists of: nuclear electric power generation, electricians, electrical contractors and other Wiring installation contractors, plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters, heating and air-Conditioning contractors, power plant operators, other scientific and technical consulting services, electrical power-line installers and repairers, research and development in biotechnology, general and operations managers.
Click here for more information on the Energy cluster
Largest industries by total size (2014 employees) in the city are: (can compare to County and State)
Health Care and Social Assistance (6,481)
Retail Trade (5,276)
Accommodation and Food Services (4,632)
Demographics
San Luis Obispo offers a sunny and mild climate all year long, great educational systems, easy access to an active lifestyle, a vibrant cultural scene, clean air, low crime rates, no traffic headaches, a bike and pedestrian friendly community and exceptional healthcare. These are a few reasons why San Luis Obispo is considered the happiest city in the nation.
Age Distribution
SLO County CA
Under 5 4.4% 5.7%
5 to 9 4.3% 6.0%
10 to 14 5.6% 6.8%
15 to 19 7.9% 6.6%
20 to 24 10.1% 6.5%
25 to 34 11.1% 15.0%
35 to 44 12.0% 13.9%
45 to 54 10.2% 12.6%
55 to 59 6.6% 6.4%
60 to 64 5.6% 6.3%
65 to 74 13.0% 9.1%
75 to 84 6.0% 4.4%
85 + 2.6% 1.7%
Median Age 40.2 37.6
U.S. Census Bureau (2021 statistics)
Population
San Luis Obispo County 283,159
San Luis Obispo 47,545
Paso Robles 31,759
Atascadero 29,708
Arroyo Grande 18,456
Grover Beach 12,711
Morro Bay 10,779
Pismo Beach 8,036
Educational Attainment
U.S. Census Bureau
SLO County CA
High school graduate 93% 83%
Bachelor’s degree 35.3% 36.7%
Diversity
SLO County CA
White 68.6% 36.8%
Black or African American 2.1% 6.5%
American Indian and 1.4% 1.6%
Alaska Native
Asian 4.0% 15.3%
Native Hawaiian or 0.2% 0.5%
other Pacific Islander
Hispanic or Latino 22.8% 39.3%
Two or more races 3.6% 3.9%
Household Income
U.S. Census Bureau
SLO County CA
Median household income $82,515 $84,097
Infrastructure
Utilities
Water and Wastewater
Despite the Governor’s recent declaration of a drought emergency, the City of San Luis Obispo’s local water supply remains reliable and secure. Actions taken by City Council, community members and staff after the severe drought of 1987-1991 have secured reliable water resources for the city. Investment in a multi-source water supply and water reclamation facilities allow for responsible use even following the driest year on record. The city has four primary water supply sources including Whale Rock Reservoir, Salinas Reservoir, Nacimiento Reservoir, and recycled water (for irrigation), with groundwater serving as a fifth supplemental source.
Water and Wastewater services are provided by the City of San Luis Obispo Utilities Department.
The City’s monthly charge per billing unit:
(1 unit = 100 cubic feet = 748 gallons)
| Water Base Fee* | $9.98 per month |
| Water Usage Tier 1 (1-8 Units) | $6.92 per Unit |
| Drought Surcharge Tier 1 | 1.10 per Unit |
| Water Usage Tier 2 (9+ Units) | $8.65 per Unit |
| Drought Surcharge Tier 2 | 1.37 per Unit |
| Sewer Treatment Base Fee | $8.57 per month |
| Sewer Treatment** | $9.44 per Unit |
Electricity
Electricity in SLO is provided by Pacific Gas & Electric Company.
Natural Gas
Natural Gas in SLO is provided by Southern California Gas Company.
Waste Services
www.sanluisgarbage.com
www.southcountysanitary.com
www.morrobaygarbage.com
www.missioncountrydisposal.com
Tech Infrastructure
By encouraging public-private partnerships, maximizing efficiency and supporting the construction of a fiber-optic network, San Luis Obispo is prioritizing telecom infrastructure and the kind of business it attracts. As part of the City’s Economic Development Strategic Plan, the City partnered with a local provider to bring high speed fiber to government buildings and provide the opportunity for fiber connectivity to local business and residences.
Currently, 23 miles of fiber optic network are already in place, providing 75 “lit” commercial buildings with Internet services normally found only in larger metropolitan areas.
Public Transportation
The San Luis Obispo Regional Transit Authority (RTA) provides intercommunity public transportation. RTA’s service area includes all of San Luis Obispo County and extends into Santa Barbara County to the south. RTA provides regional fixed-route service (RTA) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) complementary paratransit service (Runabout).
Real Estate
San Luis Obispo is a desirable place to live and work.
The median home price in SLO ($695,500) is higher than the state ($648,100) and the nation ($392,000) but when compared to California cities like San Francisco ($1.2 million) and Santa Barbara ($1.1 million), San Luis Obispo is significantly more affordable.
To search available property listings, check out these local commercial and residential real estate companies.