About Mariposa County Map
Explore the map of Mariposa county of
California state of USA. Its county seat is Mariposa and it is situated in the southeast of Stockton, western foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains, east of Merced, and north of Fresno. Mariposa county's eastern part is the central area of Yosemite National Park.
Facts about Mariposa County
| Category |
Fact / Detail |
Value / Information |
| Official Name | County | Mariposa County |
| State | | California |
| County Seat | | Mariposa |
| Founded | Year | 1850 |
| Land Area | Size | 1,451 sq mi (3,758 km²) |
| Water Area | Size | 11 sq mi (28 km²) |
| Coordinates (approx. center) | | 37.58°N 119.91°W |
| 2020 Census Population | Official | 17,130 |
| 2025 Estimate | | ≈ 17,400 – 17,600 |
| 2026 Projected Population | | ≈ 17,500 – 17,800 |
| Population Density | Per sq mi | ≈ 12 people / sq mi |
| Racial / Ethnic Composition (2020) | White (non-Hispanic) | ≈ 78.6% |
| Hispanic / Latino | ≈ 12.4% |
| Asian | ≈ 1.3% |
| Black / African American | ≈ 0.8% |
| Median Age (2020) | | ≈ 52.8 years |
| Median Household Income (2023–2024 est.) | | ≈ $62,000 – $66,000 |
| Unemployment Rate (2025 avg.) | | ≈ 6.0 – 7.5% |
| Primary Economic Sectors | | Tourism, government, agriculture, construction, small retail |
| Major Employer | | Yosemite National Park (federal jobs, concessions) |
| Yosemite National Park Location | Within county | ≈ 90% of park lies in Mariposa County |
| Annual Visitors to Yosemite (2025 est.) | | ≈ 3.8 – 4.1 million |
| Most Visited Areas in County | | Yosemite Valley, Wawona, Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias |
| Other Tourism Assets | | Gold Rush history, California State Mining & Mineral Museum, Mariposa County Fairgrounds |
| Lowest Elevation | | ≈ 400 ft (near Merced River) |
| Highest Elevation | | ≈ 13,114 ft (Mount Lyell – on county line with Mono County) |
| Percentage of Land in National Park / Forest | Approx. | ≈ 70–75% (Yosemite NP + Sierra National Forest + Stanislaus NF) |
| Climate Type | | Mediterranean (lower elevations) → alpine (higher elevations) |
| Average Annual Precipitation (Mariposa town) | | ≈ 24–28 inches |
| Average Snowfall (Mariposa town) | | ≈ 2–5 inches / year |
| Average High July | | ≈ 92–95 °F (33–35 °C) |
| Average Low January | | ≈ 32–35 °F (0–2 °C) |
| Form of Government | | County Board of Supervisors (5 districts) |
| Board Chair (2026) | Current | Rosemary Sherwood (District 1) – term ongoing |
| County Sheriff | Current | Jeremy Brown (elected 2022, term ongoing) |
| California State Mining & Mineral Museum | Location | Mariposa – largest public gem & mineral collection in California |
| Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias | Status | ≈ 500 mature giant sequoias – one of the largest groves in Yosemite |
| Yosemite Valley Visitor Numbers (2025 est.) | | ≈ 3.5–4 million visitors entering via Mariposa County entrances |
| Gold Rush Significance | Historical | Mariposa County was a key Gold Rush area; Mariposa was one of the original 27 counties in 1850 |
Mariposa County
Far from bustling cities, Mariposa County sits quietly in the heart of California’s mountain foothills. About three hours south of San Francisco, it rests near the eastern edge of the Sierra Nevada range. Fresno sits about an hour west, marking one direction across the state. Yosemite National Park dominates much of its landscape, drawing visitors from every corner. In fact, more than nine out of ten parts of the park fall inside Mariposa’s territory. Access from Highway 140 brings people through quaint towns before entering the national park. Covering 1,451 square miles, Mariposa County holds wide open spaces across a sparse landscape. Around 17,500 people call it home as of early 2026. Though it's among California's most underpopulated areas, drawing huge crowds isn't rare here. Millions find their way in every year, pulled by breathtaking scenery along with deep roots in the past.
Geography and Natural Setting
From near zero by the Merced River - just under 400 feet - to more than thirteen thousand at Mount Lyell’s peak, altitude shifts sharply across Mariposa County. On its western stretch, land bends gently into open woodlands dotted with oak, soft under sunlight. Yet climb just past the middle mark of the region, terrain hardens; steep canyons emerge, boulders rise like sentinels, while old sequoias sleep beneath shade so dark it bends light. Running central, the Merced River carries force and quiet through the core of this landscape, pouring into Yosemite Valley without pause. Much of the area lies within the Stanislaus National Forest and Sierra National Forest, holding vast wildlands where hiking, camping, and fishing thrive. Backcountry adventures unfold through dense terrain, untouched by crowds.
History
Back then, Mariposa County helped form among California's first 27 divisions when it entered the union in 1850. Gold first showed up there in 1849, sparking what would become one of the state’s most intense early rushes. Even now, the old town of Mariposa - where officials meet and records are kept - holds onto its early days character. That place hosts the oldest operating courthouse across the Mississippi River’s western side. What led to its nickname is tied to old maps labeled with the Spanish term for butterfly, later matched to waves of explorers spotting countless winged creatures here.
Population and Communities
Around the start of 2026, Mariposa County hosts some 17,500 folks who know each other rather well. In recent years, that number hasn’t changed much - just a little upward shift. Retirees and people working online from afar keep moving here. They’re drawn by the scenery and quieter expenses. The main town, also named Mariposa, houses around 2,000 daily lives. Small places like Bootjack, El Portal, Greeley Hill, and Fish Camp exist alongside larger towns. White individuals make up around 78 to 80 percent of the population. Hispanic or Latino people form roughly 12 to 14 percent. At close to fifty two years old, people here tend to live longer lives. Retirement seekers often find this area fitting for their stage in life.
Economy and Employment
Tourism tied to Yosemite National Park shapes much of Mariposa County’s financial picture. Public jobs at city and state levels make up another sizable part. Farm operations, though limited in size, remain present across the region. Building work happens too, though it varies by season and demand. Above the state's usual figure, the jobless rate sits just higher than in California overall. A midpoint home earnings range falls between sixty-two and sixty-six thousand dollars according to forecasted numbers from 2023 through 2025. Lately, living expenses have climbed thanks to interest from national park workers plus vacationers seeking extra residences.
Yosemite National Park and Tourism
People coming into Yosemite from the west often cross into Mariposa County. From that direction, many take Highway 140, following the Merced River, while others choose Highway 41 - known as Wawona Road. Inside the county, you’ll find the iconic Mariposa Grove of giant sequoias. Additionally, the region holds the old town of Wawona along with a stretch of Yosemite Valley near its southern edge. A sea of travelers moves annually through the region, shaping local livelihoods. Around 3.8 to 4.1 million people visited Yosemite in 2025, according to park records. Most came in via entry points located within Mariposa County.
Climate and Environment
Rain falls heavily during winter months in Mariposa County, where seasons shift gently with the seasons. At lower elevations, summer heat stretches long into July days reaching the mid nineties. Far above, near Yosemite's peaks, warmth fades fast into crisp mornings chilled by altitude. About thirty five inches of moisture collects each year across landscapes so dry it feels like little ever touches the soil. Most of it arrives between November and March when skies stay gray over rolling hills and forested ridges alike. Up top, snowpack grows quietly under blanket after blanket of winter storms passing through unseen. Life thrives here, with black bears sharing space alongside mule deer and the occasional mountain lion. Birds come by the flocks, finding what they need among the trees. Dry heat turns everything into fuel - fire seasons run long, sometimes beyond words.
Government and Services
Running things in Mariposa County is a team of five supervisors. Essential work gets done through departments handling police protection - the Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office leads efforts. Fire response, community health needs, road upkeep, and aid programs fall under their oversight too. Because so few people live here while space covers thousands of acres, options tend to shrink. Medical treatment of a certain kind? Or errands best handled downtown? That means heading south to Merced or farther west toward Fresno more often than not.
Current Facts and Figures
Around 17,500 to 17,800 people live in Mariposa County. Households here earn between $62,000 and $66,000 on average. Land covers vast stretches - just twelve individuals share one square mile. Each year, Yosemite draws between 3.8 and 4.1 million guests. Most travelers pass through the county on their way to the park. Tourism shapes daily life more than almost any other sector. Park rangers make up the biggest workforce across local jobs.
