Del Mar is a city in San Diego County, California, United States. The population was 4,389 at the 2000 census. The San Diego County Fair is hosted on the Del Mar Fairgrounds every summer. Del Mar is Spanish for "of the sea" or "by the sea", because it is located near the Pacific Ocean. Colonel Jacob Taylor purchased 338 acres (1.37 km) from Enoch Talbert in 1885, with visions of building a seaside resort for the rich and famous.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 4.6 km² (1.8 mi²). 4.4 km² (1.7 mi²) of it is land and 0.2 km² (0.1 mi²) of it (3.93%) is water. At the southern edge of Del Mar is the Los Peñasquitos Lagoon.
Del Mar is also one of few locations in which the Torrey Pine tree grows. The Torrey Pine is the rarest pine in the United States and only two populations of this endangered species exist. The Soledad Valley at the south of Del Mar severs two colony segments of the Pinus torreyana.
Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 4,389 people, 2,178 households, and 1,082 families residing in the city. The population density was 991.0/km² (2,559.7/mi²). There were 2,557 housing units at an average density of 577.3/km² (1,491.3/mi²). The racial makeup of the city was 94.14% White, 0.25% African American, 0.34% Native American, 2.87% Asian, 0.11% Pacific Islander, 0.57% from other races, and 1.71% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.87% of the population.
Del Mar, looking at Torrey Pines State Reserve.
There were 2,178 households out of which 15.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.8% were married couples living together, 4.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 50.3% were non-families. 36.6% of all households were made up of individuals and 7.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.01 and the average family size was 2.61.
In the city the population was spread out with 13.6% under the age of 18, 5.4% from 18 to 24, 33.1% from 25 to 44, 33.8% from 45 to 64, and 14.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 44 years. For every 100 females there were 105.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 105.0 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $81,001, and the median income for a family was $92,270. Males had a median income of $71,250 versus $50,069 for females. The per capita income for the city was $62,425. About 7.8% of families and 8.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 18.6% of those under age 18 and 8.5% of those age 65 or over.
Current estimates
According to estimates by the San Diego Association of Governments, the median household income of Del Mar in 2005 was $108,348 (not adjusted for inflation). When adjusted for inflation (1999 dollars; comparable to Census data above), the median household income was $87,982.
Politics
The City of Del Mar is governed by a City Council of five elected representatives. Each year a new mayor is chosen from among the councilmembers.
In the state legislature Del Mar is located in the 39th Senate District, represented by Democrat Christine Kehoe, and in the 74th Assembly District, represented by Republican Martin Garrick.
Federally, Del Mar is located in California's 50th congressional district, which has a Cook PVI of R +5 and is represented by Republican Brian Bilbray.
Attractions
- Del Mar Racetrack, held each summer on the Del Mar Fairgrounds
- The San Diego County Fair
- Torrey Pines State Beach
- Powerhouse Community Center
Notable residents
- Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball maintained a residence in south Del Mar while still married during the 1950s and 1960s.
- Burt Bacharach, writer of the popular song "Do You Know the Way to San José," had a beach residence in south Del Mar.
- Nate Kaeding, San Diego Chargers placekicker.
- Steve Perry, former lead singer of the rock band Journey, lives in Del Mar.
- Zandra Rhodes, celebrity fashion designer, splits her time between homes in Del Mar and London .
- Rachael Flatt, World Junior Champion in Figure Skating, born in Del Mar
- Anthony Robbins, self-help writer and professional speaker, previously lived in "The Castle" in Del Mar
- Tony Hawk, Skate Boarding legend and business leader, was raised in Del Mar.
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