Largest cities in California

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California, the Golden State, is synonymous with innovation, diversity, and stunning landscapes. With a population of nearly 40 million people, it is the most populous state in the U.S. California's population continues to grow, driven by its robust economy, diverse job market, and attractive lifestyle. California shares borders with Oregon to the north, Nevada to the east, Arizona to the southeast, and Mexico to the south, along with a vast coastline along the Pacific Ocean. The state is home to approximately 480 cities and towns, each contributing to its vibrant and diverse culture. The largest cities in California are renowned for their economic power, cultural influence, and scenic beauty.

Living in California offers a wealth of opportunities and experiences, from its bustling urban centers to its picturesque coastal towns and serene rural areas. The state's high population density in major cities fosters a dynamic and energetic atmosphere, while its diverse geography provides a range of climates and lifestyles. California's economy is one of the largest in the world, driven by industries such as technology, entertainment, and agriculture. The state's continuous population growth highlights its appeal as a place to live and work. The AreaVibes list of the largest cities in California, based on census data from the United States Census Bureau's American Community Survey, highlights California cities by population, showcasing the state's most populous and influential urban centers.

Los Angeles Population: 4,130,831 Livability Score: 68

Area Size: 1,214 KM² Density (sq mi): 8,814 Med. Household Income: $96,348

Living in Los Angeles, CA, or 'The City of Angels,' offers a unique blend of urban sophistication and natural beauty. Situated in Southern California, Los Angeles is a sprawling metropolis known for its entertainment industry, with nearby cities like Long Beach and Anaheim adding to its extensive metropolitan area. The city's landscape is diverse, encompassing stunning beaches, rolling hills, and bustling urban centers, each contributing to the city's multifaceted character.

San Diego Population: 1,466,871 Livability Score: 75

Area Size: 841 KM² Density (sq mi): 4,517 Med. Household Income: $124,304

Living in San Diego, CA, known as 'America's Finest City,' offers a perfect blend of coastal beauty and urban amenities. Located in Southern California, San Diego is a large city renowned for its picturesque beaches, vibrant neighborhoods, and mild climate. Major nearby cities like Los Angeles and Tijuana enhance its appeal as a central hub on the West Coast. San Diego's blend of natural beauty and urban sophistication creates a distinctive living experience.

San Jose Population: 1,062,558 Livability Score: 78

Area Size: 460 KM² Density (sq mi): 5,986 Med. Household Income: $171,721

Living in San Jose, CA, known as 'The Capital of Silicon Valley,' offers a unique blend of technological innovation and cultural diversity. Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, San Jose is a large city renowned for its high-tech industry and thriving economy. Major nearby cities like San Francisco and Oakland enhance its appeal as a central hub in Northern California. San Jose's blend of cutting-edge technology and rich cultural heritage creates a distinctive living experience.

San Francisco Population: 898,133 Livability Score: 76

Area Size: 121 KM² Density (sq mi): 19,148 Med. Household Income: $176,069

Living in San Francisco, CA, known as 'The Golden City,' offers a vibrant urban experience combined with stunning natural beauty. Located in northern California, San Francisco is a large city renowned for its iconic landmarks, diverse culture, and innovative tech industry. Major nearby cities like Oakland and San Jose enhance its appeal as a central hub in the Bay Area. San Francisco's blend of historic charm and modern innovation creates a unique and dynamic living environment.

Fresno Population: 543,090 Livability Score: 62

Area Size: 294 KM² Density (sq mi): 4,782 Med. Household Income: $80,439

Fresno, CA, known as 'The Raisin Capital of the World,' offers a unique blend of agricultural heritage and urban amenities. Located in central California, Fresno is a large city that serves as a major cultural and economic hub. Major nearby cities like Clovis and Madera enhance its status as a central point in the region. Fresno's blend of fertile farmland, cultural festivals, and urban amenities creates a distinctive living experience.

Sacramento Population: 520,516 Livability Score: 71

Area Size: 253 KM² Density (sq mi): 5,331 Med. Household Income: $96,753

Sacramento, CA, known as 'The City of Trees,' offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern amenities. Located in northern California, Sacramento is a large city that serves as the state capital and a major cultural and economic hub. Major nearby cities like San Francisco and Reno enhance its status as a central point in the region. Sacramento's blend of historic landmarks, cultural festivals, and urban amenities creates a distinctive living experience.

Long Beach Population: 480,084 Livability Score: 67

Area Size: 130 KM² Density (sq mi): 9,544 Med. Household Income: $99,373

Long Beach, CA, known as 'The International City,' offers a vibrant blend of coastal beauty and urban amenities. Located in southern California, Long Beach is a large city that serves as a major cultural and economic hub. Major nearby cities like Los Angeles and Anaheim enhance its status as a central point in the region. Long Beach's blend of scenic beaches, cultural festivals, and urban amenities creates a distinctive living experience.

Oakland Population: 431,366 Livability Score: 71

Area Size: 145 KM² Density (sq mi): 7,717 Med. Household Income: $117,607

Oakland, CA, known as 'The Bright Side of the Bay,' offers a unique blend of cultural diversity and urban amenities. Located in northern California, Oakland is a large city that serves as a major cultural and economic hub. Major nearby cities like San Francisco and Berkeley enhance its status as a central point in the region. Oakland's blend of historic landmarks, cultural festivals, and urban amenities creates a distinctive living experience.

Bakersfield Population: 390,909 Livability Score: 58

Area Size: 388 KM² Density (sq mi): 2,611 Med. Household Income: $98,140

Bakersfield, CA, known as 'The Country Music Capital of the West Coast,' offers a unique blend of agricultural heritage and urban amenities. Located in southern California, Bakersfield is a large city that serves as a major cultural and economic hub. Major nearby cities like Fresno and Los Angeles enhance its status as a central point in the region. Bakersfield's blend of historic landmarks, cultural festivals, and urban amenities creates a distinctive living experience.

Anaheim Population: 361,295 Livability Score: 70

Area Size: 129 KM² Density (sq mi): 7,237 Med. Household Income: $116,044

Anaheim, CA, known as 'The Heart of Orange County,' offers a unique blend of entertainment and urban amenities. Located in southern California, Anaheim is a large city that serves as a major cultural and economic hub. Major nearby cities like Santa Ana and Irvine enhance its status as a central point in the region. Anaheim's blend of world-famous attractions, cultural festivals, and urban amenities creates a distinctive living experience.

Full list of the largest cities in California

Rank	Location	Population	Area KM²	Median Income	Livability Score
1	Los Angeles	4,130,831	1,214	$96,348	68
2	San Diego	1,466,871	841	$124,304	75
3	San Jose	1,062,558	460	$171,721	78
4	San Francisco	898,133	121	$176,069	76
5	Fresno	543,090	294	$80,439	62
6	Sacramento	520,516	253	$96,753	71
7	Long Beach	480,084	130	$99,373	67
8	Oakland	431,366	145	$117,607	71
9	Bakersfield	390,909	388	$98,140	58
10	Anaheim	361,295	129	$116,044	70
11	Santa Ana	345,160	70	$105,898	55
12	Riverside	334,324	210	$110,029	66
13	Stockton	318,307	160	$85,556	57
14	Irvine	280,132	170	$161,134	76
15	Chula Vista	274,613	129	$130,353	75
16	Fremont	242,323	201	$214,940	85
17	Modesto	222,619	111	$91,737	64
18	San Bernardino	221,910	159	$74,558	58
19	Fontana	220,412	111	$112,490	64
20	Santa Clarita	218,105	171	$152,696	70
21	Moreno Valley	215,612	133	$106,824	55
22	Oxnard	214,920	70	$115,534	54
23	Huntington Beach	204,313	70	$143,032	67
24	Glendale	204,037	79	$105,660	72
25	Santa Rosa	185,280	107	$118,340	75
26	Ontario	185,250	129	$100,274	63
27	Rancho Cucamonga	182,156	104	$139,412	70
28	Oceanside	181,351	107	$112,657	64
29	Elk Grove	178,848	109	$148,642	71
30	Garden Grove	176,551	47	$111,257	66
31	Corona	173,134	102	$130,966	63
32	Hayward	163,491	118	$134,651	75
33	Salinas	161,640	61	$101,686	62
34	Lancaster	161,201	244	$88,373	68
35	Palmdale	158,635	275	$99,180	55
36	Sunnyvale	157,266	57	$222,883	82
37	Pomona	156,853	59	$91,828	58
38	Escondido	153,941	96	$96,575	70
39	Torrance	150,066	53	$141,954	76
40	Pasadena	146,628	60	$125,896	72
41	Fullerton	146,103	58	$125,162	67
42	Orange	144,054	66	$144,657	73
43	Roseville	143,208	112	$142,795	77
44	Visalia	136,439	97	$101,257	72
45	Concord	133,378	79	$138,269	65
46	Thousand Oaks	131,108	143	$159,429	70
47	Simi Valley	130,307	107	$146,421	63
48	Santa Clara	130,127	48	$207,964	78
49	Berkeley	127,519	27	$136,899	77
50	Victorville	126,104	190	$82,368	54

Methodology

To compile the list of the largest cities in California, AreaVibes used census data from the United States Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS). The American Community Survey releases updated estimates annually, offering a valuable resource for understanding the evolving dynamics within communities. These estimates are crucial for officials, community leaders, businesses, and local residents as they provide insights into demographic, economic, and social changes. By analyzing ACS data, stakeholders can make informed decisions, plan for future developments, and address the needs of their communities effectively. The detailed population information from the ACS helps track trends, allocate resources, and implement policies that enhance the quality of life for all residents.

Map of the population Density by State

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The map above serves as an excellent tool for discovering the most and least densely populated states across the United States. By highlighting both the states with the highest and lowest population density, it offers a comprehensive view of the nation's demographic landscape. This visual representation allows users to easily compare different regions, making it a valuable resource for anyone considering relocation or investment opportunities. Living in high density states could give you access to the following benefits: additional economic opportunities, enhanced amenities, improved health care, better infrastructure and technological advancement. Less densely poupulated states on the other hand, often have a lower cost of living, reduced traffic, closer-knit communities, abundant natural spaces and lower crime rates.