| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Land Area | 1,395 sq mi (3,613 km²) |
| Water Area | 56 sq mi (145 km²) |
| Total Area | 1,451 sq mi (3,758 km²) |
| Size Rank in CA | 14th largest |
| Population (2020) | 772,555 |
| Pop. Rank in CA | 10th largest |
| Density | 562/sq mi (217/km²) |
Located in the Central Valley, the county is roughly the size of Rhode Island. The San Joaquin River and California Delta waterways define its western edge. Major cities: Stockton (county seat), Tracy, Manteca, Lodi, Lathrop.
The 56 sq mi of water (3.9% of total) includes Delta channels, reservoirs (New Hogan, Camanche), and the river itself—critical for irrigation, recreation, and ecosystem health.