About SLO County

San Luis Obispo County is located on California’s scenic central coast, bordered by Monterey, Kern and Santa Barbara Counties to the north, east and south (respectively). The population of the county numbers over 283,000, the majority of which lies within seven incorporated cities (Arroyo Grande, Atascadero, Grover Beach, Morro Bay, Paso Robles, Pismo Beach and San Luis Obispo). SLO County is more than 3,304 square miles in size, the vast majority of which is agricultural land or open space. The state is a large employer in the area (through a state university, hospital and detention center); other major industries include agriculture and tourism.

Though perhaps not immediately apparent to locals or tourists, like other communities, SLO County is not without problems or needs. According to The Real Cost Measure in California 2023, 34% of households do not earn sufficient income to meet basic needs in California. It takes, on average, $94,668, for a 4-person household to make ends meet in San Luis Obispo County.

 

 

The Real Cost