Since 1914, when the South Coast Land Company secured water rights from Oceanside, the population of Carlsbad was at 300. Today, the population count has skyrocketed to almost 100,000.

The lure to Carlsbad first occurred from early settlers in the last 1800s who discovered rich mineral content in the area’s water. These settlers were from Germany, many of whom came from the city of Karlsbad. After they relished in the similar mineral water as their homeland, they dubbed their new home Carlsbad.

Striving to maintain its enviable high quality life-style and support a strong local economy, Carlsbad carefully plans its development. The city's award winning growth management plan and long-term commitment to infrastructure have made Carlsbad a desirable location for new and expanding businesses. The city government maintains a close relationship with the new businesses in order to facilitate local economy growth through its Business Assistance Program.

Carlsbad's business center encompasses 2,500 acres in the central corridor of the city. It is a compact group of business parks featuring light manufacturing, research and development, communications and corporate headquarters, along with other types of high technology and
biotechnology industries.