Madera County is the geographic center of the State of California. The County covers an area of approximately 2,100 square miles, which encompasses portions of the rich San Joaquin Valley, the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range, and the southern portion of Yosemite National Park. The county has a population of 157,672 with an unincorporated population of 74,000. Madera County has been named one of the fastest growing counties in California. Madera County enjoys housing one Community College campus with two more campuses in nearby communities. Additionally, Madera County is just a short drive from California State University, Fresno and University of California at Merced. The County has some of the most desirable housing costs in the state and is located at the southern entrance to Yosemite National Park, which affords a variety of recreational opportunities, including skiing, fishing, picnicking, and numerous recreation streams and lakes. In short, Madera County is a fun-filled region of outdoor adventure, wine tasting, and historic museums.