California is the most populated state in the United States, with a population of around 40 million, which is equivalent to that of Canada. There are at least 72 cities in the Golden State with populations between 100,000 and 1 million, and two of them have more than one million residents.

Los Angeles, with 3.8 million residents, San Diego, with 1.4 million, and San Jose, with around 970,000, are the most populated cities in California, according to the US Census last updated data. California is one of America’s most culturally and ecologically diverse states. The “Golden State” and its several major towns are a joy to see, with their stunning coastline, historic sites, natural wonders, and warm weather. People from all walks of life should visit these California communities because of their distinctive histories, enchanting attractions, and distinctive local economies.

List of 10 Most Populated Cities in California

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

Los Angeles, also known as the “City of Angels,” has an area of over 500 square miles (1,300 square kilometers), making it the second biggest metropolis in America. Los Angeles is the birthplace of the Hollywood film industry and is home to stunning natural beauties as well as a diverse range of cultures. Los Angeles is the most populated city in California, with a population of around 3,820,914 as per the last updated data in 2024.

From Hollywood Boulevard to beachfront neighborhoods, many museums and galleries, and prestigious universities like UCLA, Los Angeles really epitomizes what it means to be a global metropolis. It is the second-highest global GDP city with one of the world’s most varied economies.

Its dynamic cultural mosaic is reflected in diverse districts including Koreatown, Little Tokyo, and Boyle Heights, while the regeneration of Downtown LA highlights history, art, and food. The city is surrounded by vistas of the Pacific and is capped by the famous Griffith Observatory. A city in constant motion, it embodies modern aspiration with its palm-lined boulevards, year-round warmth, and unrelenting sunlight that contrasts with smoggy skies and heavy traffic.

2. San Diego

San Diego’s history began centuries ago, in 1542, when Spanish explorer Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo made his first visit. Located only 17 miles (27 kilometers) from the Mexican border, this vibrant community is now one of California’s most affluent and culturally varied locations. San Diego is a city for people of all ages, with a thriving local economy that includes amusement parks, museums, historic neighborhoods, beautiful beaches, and annual cultural events (especially the International Comic Con). Young families, elderly people, working professionals, adventurous travelers, and anybody else who likes to explore are all welcome here.

It is home to attractions including SeaWorld, Balboa Park, and the San Diego Zoo. While La Jolla and Coronado provide breathtaking vistas of the ocean, Historic Old Town and the Gaslamp Quarter provide hints of the city’s Spanish and Victorian heritage. San Diego, which has a significant Navy presence, strikes a balance between its military history and its surf culture. It is a friendly and beautiful city that is ideal for exploration and leisure due to its varied neighborhoods, warm temperature, and strong Mexican influence.

3. San Jose

San Jose is a place where high-tech innovation and human intelligence meet. The city, which is 180 square miles (466 square kilometers) in size and is located on the southern side of San Francisco Bay, is renowned for its diverse culture and rich districts. Even though living in San Jose is undoubtedly costly, the city is nonetheless appealing due to its robust employment market, top-notch postsecondary institutions (such as San Jose State University), and easy access to modern conveniences. eBay, PayPal, and Zoom are a few of the well-known businesses with their headquarters located in San Jose.

Originally established as El Pueblo de San José de Guadalupe in 1777 as an agricultural town to support neighboring military outposts, San Jose is the oldest civil settlement in California. Following the Mexican-American War, it joined the United States in 1848 after having previously been a part of Spanish and later Mexican territory. San Jose was established as California’s first state capital in 1850. Known as the “Valley of Heart’s Delight,” it changed from being a center for agriculture during the 20th century to becoming the epicenter of Silicon Valley’s technology revolution by the 1970s. Its development as a thriving, multicultural metropolis with a robust, innovation-driven economy was influenced by this change.

4. San Francisco

One of the most well-known cities in California is San Francisco, which is well-known for its distinctive history, vibrant cultural scene, iconic landmarks, and, of course, its exceptionally chilly climate. Indeed, millions of tourists visit the city each year, drawn by its several well-known attractions, which include the magnificent Golden Gate Bridge, the notorious Alcatraz Prison, Lombard Street, and its ethnic districts like Chinatown. However, San Francisco also receives great marks for its livability, steady housing market, and robust employment market across several industries. With a very unique and distinctively American environment, this city by the Bay meets the demands of many people in the service sector and in professional jobs.

Spanish immigrants constructed the Presidio and Mission San Francisco de Asís in 1776, establishing San Francisco. Thousands of fortune-seekers flocked to this once-small hamlet during the California Gold Rush in 1849. The city expanded quickly and rose to prominence as a port on the West Coast. Much of San Francisco was devastated by a severe earthquake and fire in 1906, but it was quickly rebuilt. It was a major military center during World War II and was the site of the United Nations’ establishment in 1945.

5. Fresno

Fresno is located about 220 miles (350 kilometers) north of Los Angeles and has an area of around 115 square miles (300 square kilometers). Fresno has had a population increase over the last ten years, partly due to its environment, which features scorching summers and moderate winters. Young professionals and retirees are drawn to the area by its reduced cost of living and reasonably priced real estate market, and people of all ages enjoy its lively cultural environment. With its theaters, museums, galleries, and vibrant nightlife, this city is a great destination to visit. A sizable agricultural sector also contributes to Fresno’s strong local economy.

Originally established as a railroad station in 1872 by the Central Pacific Railroad, Fresno soon drew people for its agricultural potential. Situated in the lush San Joaquin Valley of California, it developed into a significant agricultural center, especially for citrus, grapes, and raisins. Fresno’s varied cultural environment was shaped by waves of Armenian, Japanese, Mexican, and Italian immigrants who arrived early. The city expanded quickly in the 20th century because of the food processing and agricultural sectors. The city’s identity has been enhanced by local artists and Fresno State University, which was founded in 1911. 

6. Sacramento

Sacramento, the capital of California, is known as one of “America’s Most Diverse Cities.” More than simply the seat of government, this center is California’s fastest-growing large city. It is a popular location with a diverse range of cultures. Sacramento, which is home to the UC Davis Medical Center, Sacramento State University, and other museums, galleries, and green areas, is a great city to explore. Furthermore, its bright and pleasant environment goes without saying, and its inexpensive housing market—especially for a capital city—has made it a desirable location for new settlements.

During the Gold Rush, John Sutter and James Marshall established Sacramento, the capital of California, in 1848 after Marshall struck gold at Sutter’s Mill nearby. Because of its convenient location at the meeting point of the Sacramento and American rivers, the city soon developed into a center for trade and gold mining. In 1854, it was selected as the state capital after thriving as a supply hub. Sacramento rebuilt after each disastrous fire and flood. Its position as a transportation and commercial hub was solidified in the 1860s with the introduction of the transcontinental train. It is currently renowned for its agricultural heritage, government buildings, and historic Old Sacramento.

7. Long Beach

Long Beach is a popular city in Southern California that draws residents from a wide range of backgrounds due to its excellent schools, strong job market, and sunny weather. Indeed, Long Beach’s demographics include seniors, young families, and working professionals, and its quaint cultural environment offers something for everyone. Being the location of the Port of Long Beach and only 24 miles (39 kilometers) from Los Angeles, Long Beach serves as a global center for shipping and trade.

California’s Long Beach was established as a tourist town in the late 1800s and became an incorporated city in 1897. The construction of the Port of Long Beach, one of the busiest ports in the world today, quickly transformed the area, which was once recognized for its beach attractions, into a thriving port city. 

Oil was discovered in the 1920s, which fueled economic expansion and turned the region into an industrial hub. During World War II, Long Beach’s significance was increased with the establishment of the Naval Shipyard in the 1940s. It is currently renowned for the Queen Mary, its many settlements, and a blend of industry and seaside culture.

8. Oakland

Oakland is more affordable and is located on the eastern side of San Francisco Bay. Oakland, which is well-liked by families, professionals, and college students, has many of the top-notch facilities of its neighbor San Francisco without the heavy traffic. “Oaktown,” another lovely coastal town in California, with first-rate facilities, moderate, temperate weather, and convenient access to both the renowned Pacific Coast Highway and lovely parks.

Oakland, California, was established in 1852 and, because of its position on San Francisco Bay, started off as a shipping and logistics hub. When the transcontinental railroad’s western terminal was built here in 1869, Oakland saw tremendous expansion and became a major industrial hub. In search of work in shipbuilding and manufacturing, African Americans from the South relocated to Oakland in the early 1900s, adding to the city’s diverse cultural fabric. 

The Black Panther Party was based there in the 1960s, and it developed into a hub for social action following World War II. Oakland is renowned now for its thriving cultural scene, varied cultures, and dedication to social justice.

9. Bakersfield

Bakersfield is located about two hours north of Los Angeles. This city, which occupies 144 square miles (372 square kilometers), provides its residents with excellent and convenient access to the Sierra Nevada Mountains, neighboring natural parks, and a large number of wooded regions. Bakersfield, known as “Nashville West” and home to a number of country music performers, is renowned for its country music culture. A major hub for agricultural and energy production, this sunny city also has a steady housing market. The main industries in the Bakersfield region are petroleum refinery, natural gas extraction, and mining.

In 1869, Thomas Baker, who had recovered the marshy area along the Kern River, established Bakersfield, California. Once a tiny rural hamlet, Bakersfield saw fast expansion once oil was discovered in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, becoming an important center for both agriculture and oil production. Oklahoma, Texas, and other Southern states moved to the city, resulting in a distinctive cultural fusion and the emergence of “Bakersfield Sound” country music, which was led by Buck Owens and Merle Haggard. Bakersfield, renowned for its blue-collar roots and rich musical legacy, continues to play a significant role in California’s oil and agricultural sectors today.

10. Anaheim

Anaheim was established by German immigrants in the 1850s and is most recognized for being the location of the renowned Disneyland Theme Park, which debuted in 1955. With a wide variety of food options, plenty of California sunshine, and fantastic family-friendly entertainment, Anaheim is a fantastic place for everyone to explore. The fact that Anaheim is only a half-hour’s drive from Los Angeles makes it a popular destination for many visitors as well as those seeking to reside in a more tranquil and reasonably priced area of the Los Angeles Metropolitan Area.

Originally established as an agricultural hamlet by German immigrants in 1857, Anaheim gained notoriety for its citrus groves and vineyards. It rose to prominence as an orange grower by the early 20th century, helping to establish California as a major agricultural force. The launch of Walt Disney’s Disneyland in 1955 marked the beginning of the city’s change and made Anaheim a popular tourist destination worldwide.

Rank	Country	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

Conclusion

The most populous cities in California, such as Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose, and San Francisco, are a blend of historical significance, economic might, and cultural variety. The largest city in the state, Los Angeles, is well-known for its entertainment sector, while San Diego is notable for its seaside attractiveness and military presence. 

San Francisco is famous for its progressive attitude and cultural landmarks, whereas San Jose is the hub of Silicon Valley’s tech-driven economy. With distinctive sectors like government and agriculture, other cities like Fresno, Sacramento, and Long Beach also add to the state’s liveliness. California is one of the most vibrant and populated states in the union because of these cities, which also boost the state’s economy, shape international trends, and provide a variety of lifestyle options.

FAQs

Which City is Most Populated in California?

Los Angeles is the most populated city in California, with a population of around 3,820,914 as per the last updated data in 2024.

Top 10 Most Populated Cities in California?

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

Is LA Bigger than San Francisco?

In conclusion, Los Angeles is larger in terms of both size and people, despite the Bay being a center for innovation and technology due to its greater population and wide geographic reach.

Which California City is the Smallest?

California’s smallest city is Amador City. It was California’s least populated incorporated city, with 200 residents as of the 2020 census, up from 185 in 2010. In terms of area, Amador City is also the smallest city in California.

Which California City is the Oldest?

Officially, José Joaquin Moraga, a Spanish founder, founded the pueblo of San Jose in November 1777, making it the earliest recognized civic community in the state.