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Los Angeles, California

10 Largest Cities In California

With a population of nearly 40 million residents, California is the most populous state in the US, comparable to the population of Canada. Two Golden State cities have populations over 1 million, with at least 72 cities housing between 100,000 and 1 million people! From its culturally rich character and history, stunning natural geography, and of course its splendid sunny weather, California is an undoubted treasure to discover, with the largest sub-national economy in the 海角社区. According to the US Census, the most populous cities in California include Los Angeles, with 3.8 million residents, followed by San Diego, with 1.4 million, and San Jose, with about 970,000.

10 Largest Cities in California by Population

# City Population
1 Los Angeles 3,820,914
2 San Diego 1,388,320
3 San Jose 969,655
4 San Francisco 808,988
5 Fresno 545,716
6 Sacramento 526,384
7 Long Beach 449,468
8 Oakland 436,504
9 Bakersfield 413,381
10 Anaheim 340,512

1. Los Angeles - 3,820,914

Los Angeles
Los Angeles skyline.

Covering an area of about 500 square miles (1,300 square kilometers), the "City of Angels" is the second largest city in America, behind only New York. The home of the Hollywood film industry, Los Angeles is also a place of great cultural diversity and beautiful natural wonders. From beachside areas to Hollywood Boulevard to an endless array of museums and galleries, and esteemed institutes of higher learning (including UCLA), Los Angeles indeed defines what it means to be a global city. With one of the most diverse economies in the 海角社区, it is the city with the second-highest global GDP.

2. San Diego - 1,388,320

San Diego, california
Skyline of San Diego, California.

Often referred to as the 'Birthplace of California,' San Diego's history dates back centuries when it was first visited by Spanish explorer Juan Rodr铆guez Cabrillo in 1542. Today this bustling city, just 17 miles (27 kilometers) from the Mexican border, is one of California's richest and culturally diverse places. With a vibrant local economy that includes theme parks, museums, historic districts, stunning beaches, and yearly cultural events (particularly the International Comic Con), San Diego is a place for all ages. Here young families, retirees, working professionals, intrepid tourists, and anyone who enjoys discovery are welcome.

3. San Jose - 969,655

San Jose
Aerial view of San Jose, California.

The very heart of Northern California's Silicon Valley, San Jose, is a city where high-tech innovation and human ingenuity meet. Situated on the southern shore of San Francisco Bay, the city covers an area of around 180 square miles (466 square kilometers) and is well known for its affluent neighborhoods and cultural diversity. While it is certainly an expensive place to live, San Jose remains attractive for its thriving job market, highly rated post-secondary institutes (including San Jose State University), and access to cutting-edge amenities. Among the major companies headquartered in San Jose include eBay, PayPal, and Zoom.

4. San Francisco - 808,988

San Francisco,  California
Skyline of San Francisco, California.

San Francisco is one of California's most famous cities, widely known for its iconic landmarks, rich cultural scene, unique history, and of course, its unusually cool weather. Indeed its many famous attractions, from the imposing Golden Gate Bridge to the infamous Alcatraz Prison, to Lombard Street and its cultural neighborhoods like Chinatown, attract millions of visitors a year. But San Francisco also scores highly for its livability, stable housing market, and thriving job market in many sectors. From the service industry to professional work, this city by the Bay fulfills the needs of many with a most special and uniquely American atmosphere.

5. Fresno - 545,716

Fresno, California
Streets of Fresno, California.

Some 220 miles (350 kilometers) north of Los Angeles, Fresno is situated in the San Joaquin Valley and covers an area of about 115 square miles (300 square kilometers). With hot summers and mild winters, Fresno's climate is just one of the reasons it has seen a growth in population over the past decade. A lower cost of living and an affordable real estate market attract young workers and retirees alike, while its vibrant cultural scene is great for those of all ages. With museums, galleries, theatres, and bustling nightlife, this city is an exciting place to be. Fresno also has a sizeable agriculture industry contributing to its robust local economy.

6. Sacramento - 526,384

Sacramento, California
Sacramento, California.

California's capital city, Sacramento, has been labeled by numerous publications as one of "America's Most Diverse Cities." The fastest-growing major city in California, this hub is more than just the seat of government. It is a culturally rich destination attractive to many. Home to Sacramento State University, the UC Davis Medical Center, and a plethora of museums, galleries, and natural green spaces, Sacramento is indeed a wonderful place to explore. In addition, an affordable housing market (particularly for a capital city) has made it an enticing place for new settlements, while its sunny and warm climate needs no explanation.

7. Long Beach - 449,468

Long Beach, California
Long Beach, California.

A Southern California hot spot, Long Beach attracts people from many walks of life for its sunny weather, robust job market, and high-quality schools. Indeed working professionals, young families, and retirees all comprise Long Beach's demographics, and its charming cultural scene has something for everyone. Just 24 miles (39 kilometers) from Los Angeles, Long Beach is also the home of the Port of Long Beach, making it an international hub for trade and shipping.

8. Oakland - 436,504

Oakland, california
Aerial view of downtown Oakland.

Oakland is situated on the Eastern Side of the San Francisco Bay, and in comparison to its more famous counterpart, has higher affordability. Popular among families, professional workers, and post-secondary students, Oakland offers many 海角社区-class amenities of its neighbor San Francisco without some major crowds. Another beautiful California coastal town, "Oaktown," has mild and cool weather, first-class amenities, and easy access to beautiful parks and the famed Pacific Coast Highway.

9. Bakersfield - 413,381

Bakersfield, California
Bakersfield, California.

Just two hours north of Los Angeles lies Bakersfield, California's 9th largest city. Covering an area of 144 square miles (372 square kilometers), this city gives its inhabitants great and easy access to the Sierra Nevada Mountains, nearby nature parks, and plenty of forested areas. Celebrated for its country music scene, Bakersfield has been affectionately called "Nashville West" and has been the home of several country music stars. In addition, this sunny metropolis and its stable housing market is a significant center of energy and agricultural production. Around the Bakersfield area, the major industries include mining, natural gas extraction, and petroleum refinement.

10. Anaheim - 340,512

Anaheim, california
Residential area of Anaheim, California.

Founded by German settlers in the 1850s, Anaheim is widely known as the site of the famed Disneyland Theme Park, which opened in 1955. Full of great family-friendly entertainment, diverse dining options, and plenty of California sunshine, Anaheim is a wonderful destination for all to discover. Just a 30-minute drive from LA, Anaheim's proximity to California's largest city also makes it a popular stopover for many tourists and those looking to live in a quieter and more affordable portion of the Los Angeles Metropolitan Area.

Final Thoughts

California is among the most naturally and culturally diverse States in all of America. From natural wonders to historic landmarks to an impressive coastline and warm sunshine, the "Golden State" and its major cities are a marvel to explore. With their unique history, charming attractions, and special local economies, these California cities are must-sees for people of all backgrounds.

50 Biggest Cities In California

Rank City Population
1 Los Angeles 3,820,914
2 San Diego 1,388,320
3 San Jose 969,655
4 San Francisco 808,988
5 Fresno 545,716
6 Sacramento 526,384
7 Long Beach 449,468
8 Oakland 436,504
9 Bakersfield 413,381
10 Anaheim 340,512
11 Stockton 319,543
12 Riverside 318,858
13 Irvine 314,621
14 Santa Ana 310,539
15 Chula Vista 274,333
16 Fremont 226,208
17 Santa Clarita 224,028
18 San Bernardino 223,728
19 Modesto 218,915
20 Fontana 215,465
21 Moreno Valley 212,392
22 Oxnard 198,488
23 Huntington Beach 192,129
24 Glendale 187,05
25 Ontario 182,457
26 Elk Grove 178,444
27 Santa Rosa 175,845
28 Rancho Cucamonga 174,405
29 Oceanside 170,02
30 Garden Grove 168,234
31 Lancaster 166,236
32 Palmdale 161,404
33 Corona 160,238
34 Salinas 159,506
35 Roseville 159,135
36 Hayward 155,675
37 Sunnyvale 151,967
38 Escondido 148,122
39 Pomona 145,502
40 Visalia 144,998
41 Fullerton 139,25
42 Torrance 139,224
43 Victorville 138,869
44 Orange 138,337
45 Pasadena 133,56
46 Santa Clara 131,062
47 Clovis 125,826
48 Simi Valley 125,113
49 Thousand Oaks 123,463
50 Vallejo 122,807
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