MT. HOPE - SAN DIEGO
ABOUT
Mount Hope takes its name from the large municipal Mount Hope Cemetery. Established by a citizen committee in 1869 and officially opened in 1871, the cemetery spans about 115 acres. Over time, the community adopted the cemetery’s hopeful name—a nod to both its historical roots and the optimism of its early residents.
OVERLOOKED, BUT NOT OUT
Despite its cultural richness, Mount Hope has historically faced underinvestment relative to other parts of San Diego. City reports and community feedback have often flagged it as a “community of concern”—where city services, infrastructure investments, and community amenities have lagged behind. Residents have sometimes felt that their neighborhood’s needs aren’t fully met, which has spurred local advocacy for better support and more equitable investment.
resilient and tight-knit
Even with these challenges, the spirit of Mount Hope shines through. Neighbors are known for their resilience and deep community bonds. Families support one another, and community networks remain strong despite economic or infrastructural hurdles. This close-knit spirit, combined with faith and cultural pride, defines Mount Hope as a place where people continue to uplift each other every day.
1. Demographics
Population: Approximately 40,000 residents call Mount Hope home.
Median Age: Around 33.9 years.
2. Poverty
Overall Poverty Rate: Mount Hope has a poverty rate of about 18.3%, which is higher than the broader San Diego average of roughly 11.3%.
Child Poverty: Data from local analyses indicates that a notable percentage of children in the neighborhood live below the federal poverty level, emphasizing the need for enhanced support and investment.
3. Education
Educational Attainment:
Approximately 30% of residents have completed high school.
Around 22% have earned a college certificate or some college education.
Nearly 17% hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
These figures highlight opportunities for growth in educational support and community-based programs.