California is a western state in the United States of America. It stretches 90 miles along the Pacific Ocean from the Mexican border. The state covers a total area of 163,696 square miles (423,970 sq. km) with a land area of 155,959 square miles & 7,737 square miles of water area. In terms of area, it is the third largest state in the total of 50 states of the U.S.A. It has a population of over 38.9 million residents, making California the most populated state in the U.S. states. Sacramento is the Capital city as well as the county seat of Sacramento County and Los Angeles is the most populous county in the U.S. state of California.
California is bordered by the Mexican state of Baja California to the south, Nevada & Arizona to the east, and Oregon to the North. In the west, it has a coastline along the Pacific. The U.S. state of California was divided into 58 Counties on 18th February 1850 by the Constitution of California. Each county is authorized by the California Constitution to make and enforce local governance that do not conflict with general laws. Counties are the local arms of the state ( Political subdivision of state government). By default these counties are general law counties, according to the California constitution, the counties may be chartered. Charter county has limited home rule powers. In the total of 58 counties of California, 44 counties are governed under general law & 14 counties are governed by charter. Those are Alameda, Santa Clara, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Butte, Tehama, Orange, El Dorado, San Mateo, Fresno, Placer, San Bernardino, Sacramento. These counties do not have revenue flexibility and regulatory powers.
California has a fascinating history. It was admitted to the union as the 31st state on September 9th, 1850. California Quail is the State bird and the California poppy is the state flower. The U.S. state of California is well known for its Iconic landmarks like Golden Gate Bridge, Hollywood sign, Yosemite National Park and several national parks & cliff lined beaches and Deserts, vibrant cities like Los angeles. The state offers both natural beauty and urban charm.
Here we are going to discuss some of the most remarkable counties in the U.S. state of California & some Interesting facts about them. The 58 counties of California along with their County Seat, area & population listed below.
58 Counties of California
| County Name |
County Seat |
Tot.Area (sq.mi) |
Population |
|
Alameda County |
Oakland |
738 |
1,628,997 |
|
Alpine County |
Markleeville |
739 |
1,190 |
|
Amador County |
Jackson |
606 |
41,412 |
|
Butte County |
Oroville |
606 |
207,303 |
|
Calaveras County |
San Andreas |
1,020 |
46,563 |
|
Colusa County |
Colusa |
1,151 |
21,914 |
|
Contra Costa County |
Martinez |
720 |
1,156,966 |
|
Del Norte County |
Crescent city |
1,008 |
27,082 |
|
El Dorado County |
Placerville |
1,712 |
192,646 |
|
Fresno County |
Fresno |
5,963 |
1,015,190 |
|
Glenn County |
Willows |
1,315 |
28,339 |
|
Humboldt County |
Eureka |
3,573 |
135,010 |
|
Imperial County |
El Centro |
4,175 |
178,713 |
|
Inyo County |
Independence |
10,192 |
18,718 |
|
Kern County |
Bakersfield |
8,142 |
916,108 |
|
Kings County |
Hanford |
1,390 |
152,981 |
|
Lake County |
Lakeport |
1,258 |
68,191 |
|
Lassen County |
Susanville |
4,558 |
29,904 |
|
Los Angeles County |
Los Angeles |
4,060 |
9,721,138 |
|
Madera County |
Madera |
2,138 |
160,256 |
|
Marin County |
San Rafael |
520 |
256,018 |
|
Mariposa County |
Mariposa |
1,451 |
17,020 |
|
Mendocino County |
Ukiah |
3,509 |
89,783 |
|
Merced County |
Merced |
1,929 |
290,014 |
|
Modoc County |
Alturas |
3,944 |
8,511 |
|
Mono County |
Bridgeport |
3,044 |
12,978 |
|
Monterey County |
Salinas |
3,322 |
432,858 |
|
Napa County |
Napa |
754 |
134,300 |
|
Nevada County |
Nevada City |
958 |
102,293 |
|
Orange County |
Santa Ana |
948 |
3,151,184 |
|
Placer County |
Auburn |
1,407 |
417,772 |
|
Plumas County |
Quincy |
2,554 |
19,351 |
|
Riverside County |
Riverside |
7,208 |
2,473,902 |
|
Sacramento County |
Sacramento |
966 |
1,584,169 |
|
San Benito County |
Hollister |
1,389 |
67,579 |
|
San Bernardino County |
Sanbernardino |
20,062 |
2,193,656 |
|
San Diego County |
San Diego |
4,204 |
3,276,208 |
|
San Francisco County |
San Francisco |
47 |
808,437 |
|
San Joaquin County |
Stockton |
1,399 |
793,229 |
|
San Luis Obispo County |
San Luis Obispo |
3,304 |
282,013 |
|
San Mateo County |
Redwood City |
449 |
729,181 |
|
Santa Barbara County |
Santa Barbara |
2,738 |
443,837 |
|
Santa Clara County |
San Jose |
1,291 |
1,870,945 |
|
Santa Cruz County |
Santa Cruz |
446 |
264,370 |
|
Shasta County |
Redding |
3,786 |
180,930 |
|
Sierra County |
Downieville |
953 |
3,217 |
|
Siskiyou County |
Yreka |
6,287 |
43,660 |
|
Solano County |
Fairfield |
828 |
448,747 |
|
Sonoma County |
Santa Rosa |
1,576 |
482,650 |
|
Stanislaus |
Modesto |
1,495 |
551,275 |
|
Sutter County |
Yuba city |
603 |
98,503 |
|
Tehama County |
Red Bluff |
2,951 |
65,245 |
|
Trinity County |
Weaverville |
3,179 |
15,781 |
|
Tulare County |
Visalia |
4,824 |
477,544 |
|
Tuolumne County |
Sonora |
2,236 |
54,531 |
|
Ventura County |
Ventura |
1,846 |
832,605 |
|
Yolo County |
Woodland |
1,012 |
222,115 |
|
Yuba County |
Marysville |
630 |
84,310 |
Los Angeles County
The County of Los Angeles is located in the southern region of the U.S. State of California. It is the most populous county in the U.S., having a population of 9,721,138 within a total area of 4,060 square miles ( 10,515 sq. km). The County Seat and largest city of the County is Los Angeles, it is the second most populous city in the United States, with 3.9 million residents.
Los Angeles County, California is well known for its numerous attractions and various Industries such as Tourism, aerospace, International Trade, and service industries. It offers many recreational activities at the Hollywood Sign, the Getty Center, Santa Monica Pier, and various parks and beaches along the coastline. Los Angeles International Airport is one of the world’s busiest airports, it serves as a major gateway for international travel. All these lead to Los Angeles as one of the world’s most dynamic economies.
San Francisco County
San Francisco is a city and County in Northern California, U.S.A. The County has a population of 808,437, with a total area of 47 square miles (122 sq. km). San Francisco is the county seat. The County is the fourth most populous in California and the population making it the Second most densely populated city in the U.S.A. ( after New York City).
San Francisco, the County of California, U.S. has famous landmarks including the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, Silicon Valley, which is a major technology hub, and steep Streets. It has prestigious educational institutions such as the University of San Francisco (USF) and the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). The county is the Commercial & financial hub in Northern California.
San Diego County
San Diego County is located in the Southwestern corner of the U.S. state of California. The County has an area of 4,204 square miles ( 10,888 sq. km). According to the 2020 census, San Diego County is the second most populous county in California and the fifth most populous in the United States with a population of 3,276,208. San Diego is the County Seat and largest city. It is the second most populous city in California (after Los Angeles) with 1.3 million residents.
The county has 16 military installations which include the U.S. Navy & U.S. Marine Corps. The county has pleasant weather, a beautiful coastline, the San Diego Zoo, San Diego Padres, and stunning beaches such as Coronado, La Jolla & Pacific Beach, and various parks. The county’s economy depends on International trade, manufacturing, Military, and tourism. These support the county’s economy.
Sacramento County
Sacramento County is located in the U.S. state of California. The county is located in the central valley, the Northern portion, extends from low delta lands between the Sacramento and Joaquin rivers, east to the Sierra Nevada Mountains foothills. The County had a population of 1,584,169 residents with a covering area of 994 square miles (2,570 sq. km). Sacramento is the County Seat and the largest city, which has been the capital city of the U.S. state of California, since 1854.
Sacramento County exhibits a vibrant and dynamic culture due to its diverse population with various communities. The Sacramento River shed water to the county. The county is known for its agricultural production and well-known landmarks in the county are California State Park, the oldest Crocker Art Museum, and Sacramento Historic Park.
Santa Clara County
Santa Clara County is located in the Southern end of the San Francisco Bay Area, U.S. state of California. It is the sixth most populous County in the state with a population of 1,870,945. It has an area of 1,291 square miles (3,344 sq. km). San Jose is the County Seat and the largest city and also the 10th most populous city in California. Sunnyvale & Santa Clara are the second and third largest cities.
The County is home to Silicon Valley, a major technology hub. The county is known as an economic center for high technology. It has numerous notable attractions in the county such as Levi’s Stadium, Intel Museum, Santa Clara University, and California’s Great America (Amusement Park). Throughout the year it hosts many events & festivals, which attract many tourists worldwide. Overall, these all contribute to the County’s economy.
Orange County
Orange County is situated in the Southern region of California, U.S. state. It is the third most populous county in California and 6th most populous in the United States with a population of 3,186,989. The county has an area of 948 square miles (2,455 sq. km). Santa Ana is the County Seat and Anaheim. The county has the most diverse economy, with the largest employment sectors being tourism, construction, and health services.
Most Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- How many counties does the U.S. state of California have?
The U.S. state of California was divided into 58 counties.
- What is the most populated county in the U.S. state of California ?
Los Angeles County is the most populous and fastest-growing County in the U.S. state of California.
- What is the least populated county in the U.S. state of California ?
Alpine County is the least populous county in the U.S. state of California.
- Which county is home to the Golden Gate Bridge?
Golden Gate Bridge is located in San Francisco bay, U.S. state of California.
- What is the capital city of California?
Sacramento is the County Seat of Sacramento County and the Capital city of the U.S. state of California.