Community
Welcome to the City of Hollister, seat of San Benito County and gateway to Pinnacles National Park. We are nestled in a small valley just 40 minutes from the Monterey Peninsula and less than an hour from the bustle of the Silicon Valley.
As you enter Hollister on Highway 25 or 156, take note of the sprawling hills you pass. The agriculture of the fertile Central Valley feeds the world with produce, and Hollister is famous for its fresh and healthy crops as well as distinct and unique wines.
The beautiful hills and valleys of San Benito County make it a dreamland for outdoor lovers. Only miles away from Pinnacles National Park, and with back country roads for bikers, it is an ideal location for interacting with nature.
Although it is growing quickly, Hollister still maintains the beauties and comforts of a small town, making it an ideal place for people from all around the world to call home.
About HollisterWe call it home! Hollister, a town with Central California independence and charm, was established by ranchers and farmers in 1872. Throughout Hollister's history, people who have settled here have talked of being fortunate to reside in such a remarkable community.
Hollister, while being one of the fastest growing communities in California during the past decade, still maintains the quality of living that has brought people here from around the world. Through natural disasters and tough economic times, the people of Hollister have shown resilience and a special pride in Community that is unsurpassed.
The land, like the people of Hollister, has strength and charm, far enough away from crowds to offer very competitive prices for undeveloped property, yet close enough to city conveniences to share a cosmopolitan atmosphere.
Located in San Benito County, Hollister is served by major California highways and has one of the few remaining executive airports in the country.
Open, accessible, and friendly - the people of Hollister and the land can bring it home for you.
City History
Hollister is the largest community in San Benito County with a population of 36,599. The City was named for Colonel W.W. Hollister in 1868 by the Rancho San Justo Homestead Association of farmers. Colonel Hollister drove the first flock of sheep across the continent and acquired the San Justo grant, the location of the community. At the first town meeting, a dispute arose over its name.
It was suggested that it be called San Justo. However, one person protested so strongly against adding one more name to the growing list of saints’ names in California, that San Justo was rejected. Hollister was incorporated on March 26, 1872.
Hollister has more than tripled its population within the last quarter century. In 1980, the census figures put the population of Hollister at 11,488.
City Facts
Hollister is located in San Benito County (of which it is the county seat) just northeast of Salinas between Gilroy and San Juan Bautista along Highway 156 near the San Luis Reservoir.
Incorporated: March 26, 1872
Form of Government: Council/Manager (Mayor-at-Large and 4 member City Council elected by district, by the citizens of Hollister). The City Manager is appointed by the City Council as Chief Administrator.
City Council District Map
Population: 43,346 (2020 Census) Census Bureau Quick Facts - Hollister
Our StoryThe Story of Hollister
The history of Hollister can be traced back to 1853, when Colonel W.W. Hollister became one of the first men to drive a flock of sheep across the continent. Upon reaching the West, he acquired Spanish Land Grants in San Benito and Santa Barbara Counties.
The San Justo Homestead Association of farmers formed Hollister in 1872. At the first town meeting, a dispute arose over its name. San Justo was suggested, but a single man protested strongly against adding another name to the growing number of California towns with Saint namesakes. San Justo was thrown out, and Hollister was chosen.
The original subdivision divided the town into 50 homestead lots, where downtown Hollister is located today.
Since then, Hollister has continuously grown in size, both geographically and by population.
Portions of the original grant in Santa Barbara County are home to the Hollister ranch and surf spot made famous by the clothier of the same name.
