View source for List of largest cities in California by population

{{Short description|none}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2025}}
This is a list of the 100 largest cities in the [[U.S. state]] of [[California]] ranked by population, based on estimates for July 1, 2024, by the [[United States Census Bureau]].<ref name="USCensusEst2024">{{cite web |title=Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Incorporated Places in California: April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2024	|url=https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/tables/2020-2024/cities/totals/SUB-IP-EST2024-POP-06.xlsx |website=United States Census Bureau |access-date=May 20, 2025}}</ref>

'''Note:''' The population figures are for the [[Incorporation (municipal government)|incorporated]] areas of the listed cities, as opposed to [[California census statistical areas|metropolitan areas]], [[List of urbanized areas in California (by population)|urban areas]], or [[List of counties in California|counties]]. Also, the United States Census Bureau and the [[California Department of Finance]] use different methods for estimating population, so state estimates will differ from those given here.

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
!2024&nbsp;rank<ref name="USCensusEst2024"/>!!City!!Population<br/>(2024&nbsp;est.)<ref name="USCensusEst2024"/>!!County!!Image!!Description
|-
|1
|[[Los Angeles]]
|3,878,704
|[[Los Angeles County, California|Los Angeles County]]
| [[File:LA Skyline Mountains2.jpg|200px]]
| Los Angeles is the largest city in [[California]] and one of the [[largest cities in the Americas]]. Los Angeles is a [[global city]] and famed worldwide as home to the [[Cinema of the United States|Hollywood]] film industry and for its influence in popular culture. LA is the largest economic hub on the [[West Coast of the United States|West Coast]] and a global center for international trade and finance. Los Angeles is home to world famous institutions such as [[UCLA]], [[University of Southern California|USC]], the [[Getty Center]], and [[Academy Awards|the Oscars]], among numerous others.
|-san Francisco

|2
|[[San Diego]]
|1,404,452
| [[San Diego County, California|San Diego County]]
| [[File:US Navy 110604-N-NS602-574 Navy and Marine Corps personnel, along with community leaders from the greater San Diego area come together to commemora.jpg|200px]]
| San Diego is California's second largest city and its southernmost major city. It is the hub of the [[San Diego–Tijuana]] metropolitan area, the largest transborder agglomeration in [[the Californias]]. Known as the "birthplace of California", San Diego contains various historical landmarks such as [[Mission San Diego de Alcalá]] and [[Balboa Park (San Diego)|Balboa Park]]. It is home to several universities, including [[UC San Diego]], [[San Diego State University]], and the [[University of San Diego]]. The city is also home of the [[San Diego Zoo]] and is known as a major military town, including [[Naval Base San Diego]], [[Marine Corps Air Station Miramar|MCAS Miramar]], and [[Naval Base Coronado]], among others.
|-
|3
|[[San Jose, California|San Jose]]
|997,368
|[[Santa Clara County, California|Santa Clara County]] 
| [[Image:Downtown SJ at Night cropped1.jpg|200px]]
| San Jose is the largest city in [[Northern California]]. San Jose is known as a [[global city|global hub]] for the high-tech industry of [[Silicon Valley]], for hosting the annual conferences, such as [[Facebook F8]] and the [[Apple Worldwide Developers Conference]], and as home to organizations like the [[Silicon Valley Leadership Group]] and [[San Jose State University]]. 
|-
|4
|[[San Francisco]]
|827,526
| [[San Francisco|San Francisco County]]
| [[File:San Francisco DSC09797.JPG|200px]]
| San Francisco is a major economic, political, and cultural hub for [[Northern California]], located in the [[Bay Area]]. One of the most visited cities in the world, it is famous for landmarks like the [[Golden Gate Bridge]], the [[Palace of Fine Arts]], and the [[Transamerica Pyramid]]. SF is known as a bastion for liberal politics and for its diverse communities like [[Japantown, San Francisco|Japantown]], the [[Mission District]], and [[Castro District|The Castro]]. It is the second most densely populated major city in the country, after New York City. 
|-
|5
|[[Fresno, California|Fresno]]     
|550,105
|[[Fresno County, California|Fresno County]]
| [[File:Chukchansi Park in Fresno.jpg|200px]]
| Fresno, located in the heart of the [[San Joaquin Valley]], is the most populous city in [[Central California]]. Fresno is an important economic hub for one of the most productive agricultural areas in the world, and it is the closest major city and a major gateway to major national parks such as [[Yosemite National Park]], [[Kings Canyon National Park]], and [[Sequoia National Park]]. It is also the home of [[California State University, Fresno]].
|-
|6
|[[Sacramento, California|Sacramento]]
|535,798
|[[Sacramento County, California|Sacramento County]]
|[[File:Sacramento skyline from the river (cropped).jpg|200px]]
| Sacramento is the capital of California, and is home to the [[Government of California]]. The city grew as an important hub for the [[California Gold Rush]]. The city is the center of the [[Sacramento Valley]] metropolitan area and the northernmost large city in California. Apart from government, Sacramento is a major home to the healthcare industry and notable institutions like the MLB's [[Athletics (baseball)|Athletics]](temporarily), NBA's [[Sacramento Kings]], [[University of California, Davis]] (in nearby Davis, CA) and [[California State University, Sacramento]].
|-
|7
|[[Long Beach, California|Long Beach]]
|450,901
|[[Los Angeles County, California|Los Angeles County]]
| [[File:Long beach3 (cropped).jpg|200px]]
| Long Beach is a coastal city in the [[Greater Los Angeles area]]. The [[Port of Long Beach]] is one of the largest in the world and Long Beach has some of the most productive oilfields in the state. Long Beach is home to the [[Aquarium of the Pacific]], the {{RMS|Queen Mary}} docked in [[Long Beach Harbor]]. It is a major center of higher education, being home to [[California State University, Long Beach]], the state's largest public university, as well as the headquarters of the [[California State University System]].
|-
|8
|[[Oakland, California|Oakland]]
|443,554
|[[Alameda County, California|Alameda County]]
| [[File:OAKLAND, CA, USA - Skyline and Bridge.JPG|200px]]
| Oakland is the third-largest city in the [[Bay Area]] and one of the largest ports on the [[West Coast of the United States|West Coast]]. It is the political, cultural, and economic hub of the [[East Bay (California)|East Bay]] and is regarded as one of the hubs of [[African-American culture]] in California. The city is home to notable institutions like the [[Oakland Museum of California]], the [[Chabot Space and Science Center]], the headquarters of [[Kaiser Permanente]] and [[Clorox]], among others.
|-
|9
|[[Bakersfield, California|Bakersfield]]
|417,468
|[[Kern County, California|Kern County]]
| [[File:BakersfieldSkyline.jpg|200px]]
| Bakersfield is an important economic, political, and cultural hub for the southern [[San Joaquin Valley]], as home to institutions like the [[California Living Museum]], the [[Bakersfield Museum of Art]], and [[California State University, Bakersfield]]. Bakersfield is a major hub of agriculture and energy production in the state, ranking as the most productive county in oil production and the second most productive agriculturally. Bakersfield is the origin of the [[Bakersfield sound]] genre of country music and in close proximity to the [[Sequoia National Forest]]. 
|-
|10
|[[Anaheim, California|Anaheim]]
|344,561
|[[Orange County, California|Orange County]]
|[[File:Castle in bloom (2351687460).jpg|200px]]
| Anaheim is the most populous city in Orange County and second-largest in terms of land area. It is known for its growing suburban population and is a major tourist and business destination as the home to [[Disneyland Resort]], [[Downtown Disney]], sports teams (such as the [[Anaheim Ducks]] and [[Los Angeles Angels]]), and the [[Anaheim Convention Center]].
|-
|11
|[[Stockton, California|Stockton]]
|324,975
|[[San Joaquin County, California|San Joaquin County]]
| [[File:Hotel Stockton - Stockton, CA (cropped).JPG|200px]]
| Stockton is at the heart of the [[Sacramento–San Joaquin River Delta]] and is sometimes considered the boundary between the [[Sacramento Valley]] and the [[San Joaquin Valley]]. Stockton is the largest agricultural center in Northern California, and its surroundings are home to a large, burgeoning wine industry. With a sea port on the [[San Joaquin River]], it is an important and shipping center and a major logistics hub in the northern part of the state. Stockton is the home of the [[University of the Pacific (United States)|University of the Pacific]].
|-
|12
||[[Riverside, California|Riverside]]
|323,757
|[[Riverside County, California|Riverside County]]
| [[File:MissionInn_SpanishWing.jpg|200px]]
| Riverside is the most populous city of Southern California's [[Inland Empire]] region and the county seat of Riverside County. Riverside is the birthplace of California's citrus industry and is an arts and education hub home to [[California Baptist University]], [[La Sierra University]], and the [[University of California, Riverside]] (UCR), as well as the [[The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture|Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture]]. Its downtown is home to historic institutions such as the [[The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa|Mission Inn]], one of two historic landmark hotels in California, and the [[Fox Performing Arts Center]], a major early movie theater.
|-
|13
|[[Irvine, California|Irvine]]
|318,683
|[[Orange County, California|Orange County]]
| [[Image:Downtown Irvine overhead (cropped).jpg|200px]]
|Irvine is a [[planned city]], mainly developed by the [[Irvine Company]] since the 1960s. Irvine is home to the [[University of California, Irvine]] (UCI) and other educational institutions. It is one of the fastest growing business hubs in the state, and is home to several corporations, particularly in the technology sector. The city is known for its large amount of urban park space and its growing status as a center for [[Asian Americans|Asian American]] culture. 
|-
|14
|[[Santa Ana, California|Santa Ana]]
|316,184
|[[Orange County, California|Orange County]]
| [[File:Skyline at MacArthur Place - panoramio (cropped).jpg|200px]]
| Santa Ana is the county seat of Orange County. A major business and government hub, the city is the third-largest in Orange County and the largest regional hub of [[Mexican Americans|Mexican American]] culture. It is also a regional transport hub, being home to [[John Wayne Airport]] and several rail lines. The city is home to the famous [[Bowers Museum]], [[MainPlace Mall]], and [[Discovery Science Center]].

|-
|15
|[[Chula Vista, California|Chula Vista]]
|278,546
|[[San Diego County, California|San Diego County]]
|[[Image:ChulaVista Bayfront (cropped).jpg|200px]]
| A [[South Bay, San Diego|South Bay]] suburb of San Diego, Chula Vista is located {{convert|7|mi|0}} north of the [[Mexico|Mexican]] border. It is one of the most economically and culturally diverse cities in [[Southern California]]. It is home to institutions and attractions such as [[Southwestern College (California)|Southwestern College]], the [[Sesame Place (San Diego)|Sesame Place San Diego]] theme park, and the [[Living Coast Discovery Center]].
|-
|16
|[[Santa Clarita, California|Santa Clarita]]
|229,159
|[[Los Angeles County, California|Los Angeles County]]
|[[Image:Santa Clarita Valley.jpg|200px]]
|Santa Clarita was incorporated in 1987 as the union of the unincorporated communities of [[Canyon Country, Santa Clarita, California|Canyon Country]], [[Newhall, Santa Clarita, California|Newhall]], [[Saugus, Santa Clarita, California|Saugus]], and [[Valencia, Santa Clarita, California|Valencia]]. One of the earliest examples of a [[boomburb]],<nowiki/>the city is home to educational institutions such as [[California Institute of the Arts]], [[The Master's University]] and [[College of the Canyons]], and the corporate headquarters of [[Princess Cruises]]. [[Six Flags Magic Mountain]] lies immediately west of the city. 
|-
|17
|[[Fremont, California|Fremont]]
|228,192
|[[Alameda County, California|Alameda County]]
|[[File:Aerial view of Fremont, California and Newark, California in 2021.jpg|200px]]
|Fremont was created as a single city in 1956, from the unification of several unincorporated communities that had historically been small but grew rapidly in the years after [[World War II]]. It is located in the [[San Francisco Bay Area]] just north of San Jose in the East Bay. Fremont is home to the [[Tesla Factory]], producing electric cars, and is considered a gateway between [[Silicon Valley]] and the [[East Bay]]. The city has the largest Asian concentration in the bay, and is an important center of Asian-American economic and political life in Northern California.
|-
|18
|[[San Bernardino, California|San Bernardino]]
|224,775
|[[San Bernardino County, California|San Bernardino County]]
| [[File:Sb 2004 dt snowskyline 003a.jpg|200px]]
|San Bernardino is the second-largest city in the [[Inland Empire]] metropolitan area of California and the county seat of [[San Bernardino County]], the largest county in geographic area in the 48 contiguous states. San Bernardino is home to [[California State University, San Bernardino]] (CSUSB) and a number of corporations in addition to the [[San Bernardino International Airport]]. San Bernardino is considered a major center in the state's rapidly growing logistics industry, and is a crucial transportation hub due to its large railyard, access to ports, and its location at the confluence of several major highways. It is the gateway to the [[San Bernardino Mountains]], including its ski resorts and numerous lakes. 
|-
|19
|[[Modesto, California|Modesto]]
|220,592
|[[Stanislaus County, California|Stanislaus County]]
|[[File:Hotel_Covell_NRHP_94001501_Stanislaus_County,_CA.jpg|200px]]
| Modesto is in the center of the [[Central Valley (California)|Central Valley]], east of San Francisco and south of the capital Sacramento. The city is surrounded by fertile [[Arable land|farmland]] and is one of the most agriculturally productive in the state. The city is growing rapidly due to affordable housing in the area and is quickly becoming a bedroom community for commuters to Sacramento, Fresno, and the [[San Francisco Bay Area]].
|-
|20
|[[Fontana, California|Fontana]]
|218,455
|[[San Bernardino County, California|San Bernardino County]]
| [[File:Fontana California Overview.JPG|200px]]
| Founded in 1913, Fontana remained rural until a [[Kaiser Steel]] mill was built during [[World War II]]. The city is now a regional hub of the trucking industry, and home of the [[California Speedway]].
|-
|21
|[[Moreno Valley, California|Moreno Valley]]
|213,919
|[[Riverside County, California|Riverside County]]
| [[Image:View of Moreno Valley (cropped).jpg|200px]]
| Incorporated in 1984, Moreno Valley lies {{convert|65|mi}} east of downtown Los Angeles, just north of [[Lake Perris]]. The city is a major military town adjacent to the [[March Air Reserve Base]], and is a regional center for the warehousing and distribution industries as well as a rapidly growing suburban city in the Inland Empire.
|-
|22
|[[Oxnard, California|Oxnard]]
|200,616
|[[Ventura County, California|Ventura County]]
| [[Image:Channel islands Harbor Panorama (cropped).jpg|200px]]
| Oxnard is one of only a few cities in the state that is the largest in its county, but not the [[county seat]]. It is an important agricultural center, with its distinction as the strawberry and lima bean capital of California. Oxnard has a scenic, relatively uncrowded coastline.
|-
|23
|[[Huntington Beach, California|Huntington Beach]]
|193,151
|[[Orange County, California|Orange County]]
| [[File:HuntingtonHarbor CA Aerialphoto D Ramey Logan.JPG|200px]]
|Huntington Beach is an Orange County coastal city best known for its {{convert|8.5|mi|adj=on}} beach. It is often referred to as "Surf City" due to its long association with the sport of [[surfing]], and is a major tourist center renowned for its surfing and nightlife.
|-
|24
|[[Glendale, California|Glendale]]
|187,823
|[[Los Angeles County, California|Los Angeles County]]
|[[Image:Glendale California From Forest Lawn.jpg|200px]]
| Glendale is the focal point of the [[Verdugo Mountains]] subregion and has a large [[Armenian-American]] community. Glendale is home to institutions such as [[DreamWorks Animation]], [[Forest Lawn Memorial Park (Glendale)|Forest Lawn Memorial Park]], and [[Glendale Community College (California)|Glendale Community College]], as well as two large shopping centers: the [[Americana at Brand]] and the [[Glendale Galleria]].
|-
|25
|[[Ontario, California|Ontario]]
|185,285
|[[San Bernardino County, California|San Bernardino County]]
|[[Image:City_National_Bank_building_portrait_-_Ontario,_California_(cropped).JPG|200px]]
|Ontario is a major city in the [[Inland Empire]] area of California, home to the [[Ontario International Airport]] and the region's largest shopping mall, [[Ontario Mills]]. It is also home to [[Toyota Arena]], the largest indoor arena in the Inland Empire.
|-
|26
|[[Elk Grove, California|Elk Grove]]
|182,797
|[[Sacramento County, California|Sacramento County]]
|[[Image:Elk Grove Historic District - Sarah Stierch - 2.jpg|200px]]
|Elk Grove was a small rural suburb of Sacramento until the housing boom of the 1990s and 2000s, resulting in the city becoming the most populous suburb of the Sacramento region. About {{convert|15|mi|km}} south of downtown Sacramento, Elk Grove has emerged as a popular place for young families to live and commute to the job centers of the area.
|-
|27
|[[Santa Rosa, California|Santa Rosa]]
|177,524
|[[Sonoma County, California|Sonoma County]]
|[[Image:Old Courthouse Square, Downtown Santa Rosa (Smaller Version).jpg|200px]]
|Santa Rosa is the largest city in California's [[Wine Country (California)|Wine Country]] and the [[Redwood Empire]]. The county seat of Sonoma County since 1854, it grew as a center of agriculture, shipping, and industry. It is still an important local center of business and tourism. The city actually suffered the most destruction of the [[1906 San Francisco earthquake]], which destroyed Santa Rosa's entire downtown. Notable residents have included famed horticulturalist [[Luther Burbank]] and ''[[Peanuts]]'' cartoonist [[Charles M. Schulz]].
|-
|28
|[[Rancho Cucamonga, California|Rancho Cucamonga]]
|176,675
|[[San Bernardino County, California|San Bernardino County]]
|[[Image:Cucamonga_Peak_122608.jpg|200px]]
|Rancho Cucamonga was incorporated in 1977 as a result of a vote among the residents of the [[unincorporated area|unincorporated]] communities of [[Alta Loma, Rancho Cucamonga, California|Alta Loma]], [[Cucamonga, Rancho Cucamonga, California|Cucamonga]], and [[Etiwanda, Rancho Cucamonga, California|Etiwanda]].<ref>{{cite web| title=Getting the masses in the mood| url=http://articles.latimes.com/2006/nov/25/business/fi-shop25/2| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203001451/http://articles.latimes.com/2006/nov/25/business/fi-shop25/2| url-status=dead| archive-date=December 3, 2013| author=Roger Vincent and Adrian G. Uribarri| date=November 25, 2006| work=[[Los Angeles Times]]| access-date=2011-10-29}}</ref> The city was ranked #42 in ''[[Money (magazine)|Money]]'s'' "Best Places to Live in America 2006".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/bplive/2006/snapshots/PL0659451.html |work=CNN |title=MONEY Magazine: Best places to live 2006: Rancho Cucamonga, CA snapshot |access-date=2011-12-11 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111201225120/http://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/bplive/2006/snapshots/PL0659451.html |archive-date=2011-12-01 }}</ref> It is home to [[Chaffey College]] and the [[Victoria Gardens (Rancho Cucamonga)|Victoria Gardens]] shopping and civic center.
|-
|29
|[[Garden Grove, California|Garden Grove]]
|172,361
|[[Orange County, California|Orange County]]
| [[Image:Crys-ext.jpg|200px]]
| Garden Grove is home to the second-largest [[Vietnamese-American]] community, as well as the [[Crystal Cathedral]].
|-
|30
|[[Oceanside, California|Oceanside]]
|170,941
|[[San Diego County, California|San Diego County]]
|[[Image:Oceanside,_CA_USA_-_Mission_San_Luis_Rey_De_Francia,_1798_-_panoramio_(cropped).jpg|200px]]
|The largest city in San Diego's [[North County (San Diego area)|North San Diego County]] subregion, Oceanside is home to the longest wooden pier on the West Coast and is directly south of [[Camp Pendleton]], the busiest military base in the United States. It is also the home of the [[Mission San Luis Rey]].
|-
|31
|[[Lancaster, California|Lancaster]]
|167,426
|[[Los Angeles County, California|Los Angeles County]]
| [[Image:Sunset over Lancaster CA.jpg|200px]]
| Lancaster started as a stop on the [[Union Pacific Railroad]] and has grown into the fifth-largest city in Los Angeles County. It began as a small farming community and has since acquired a large and prosperous technology-driven sub-culture. Located in "Aerospace Valley", it has always been on the cutting edge of technology and is now aiming to become the nation's first net-zero city.{{citation needed|date=April 2012}}
|-
|32
|[[Roseville, California|Roseville]]
|163,304
|[[Placer County, California|Placer County]]
|[[Image:Roseville,_CA_391_-_panoramio_(cropped).jpg|200px]]
| Roseville is a suburb of Sacramento. The city features many parks, bike trails, and other amenities, and in 2006 it was named the healthiest city in America. Roseville is known for its high-end shopping including the Fountains at Roseville and the [[Westfield Galleria at Roseville]] (one of the largest malls in northern California).
|-
|33
|[[Palmdale, California|Palmdale]]
|162,536
|[[Los Angeles County, California|Los Angeles County]]
| [[Image:Palmdale and Mountains.jpg|200px]]
| Commonly referred to as the "Aerospace Capital of America", Palmdale is the birthplace of the [[Space Shuttle]], [[X-15]], [[B-2 Spirit]], [[F-117 Nighthawk]], [[F-35 Lightning II]], [[SR-71 Blackbird]], [[Lockheed L-1011|Lockheed L-1011 Tristar]], and many other aircraft that have been used in the [[United States Air Force]], [[NASA]], and air forces and airlines around the world. It is the sixth-largest city in Los Angeles County.
|-
|34
|[[Corona, California|Corona]]
|161,540
|[[Riverside County, California|Riverside County]]
| [[Image:CoronaCA.jpg|200px]]
| Corona, located in the western part of Southern California's [[Inland Empire]], is known as the "Circle City" due to Grand Boulevard's {{convert|3|mi|km|adj=on|0}} circular layout. It is the headquarters of companies such as [[Fender Musical Instruments Corporation]], [[Monster Beverage Corporation]], [[Actavis|Watson Pharmaceuticals]], and West Coast Customs (featured on [[MTV]]'s ''[[Pimp My Ride]]'').
|-
|35
|[[Salinas, California|Salinas]]
|160,783
|[[Monterey County, California|Monterey County]]
|[[Image:Downtown Salinas.jpg|200px]]
| Salinas is the most populous city in the [[Monterey Bay Area]], in the northern part of the [[Central Coast (California)|Central Coast]]. It is an agricultural center and the hometown of famed writer and [[Nobel Laureate]] [[John Steinbeck]].
|-
|36
|[[Hayward, California|Hayward]]
|158,440
|[[Alameda County, California|Alameda County]]
|[[Image:Downtownhaywardcitycenter.jpg|200px]]
| Hayward was an historic salt and agricultural processing center. Sea salt brands produced in Hayward were Oliver Brothers and Leslie Salt. In food processing, Hunt Brothers' Cannery (later Hunt-Wesson Foods) produced canned and bottled tomato products, as well as canned peaches, apricots, and fruit cocktail. Since 1957, it has been the home of [[California State University, East Bay]].
|-
|37
|[[Sunnyvale, California|Sunnyvale]]
|156,792
|[[Santa Clara County, California|Santa Clara County]]
|[[Image:Svalecenter2.jpg|200px]]
|Located in [[Silicon Valley]], Sunnyvale is home to several large tech company headquarters such as [[Yahoo!]] and previously [[AMD]].
|-
|38
|[[Escondido, California|Escondido]]
|148,847
|[[San Diego County, California|San Diego County]]
|[[Image:Dixon_lake_January_2020_(cropped).jpg|200px]]
|Escondido is situated in San Diego's North County region, bordering the cities of San Diego and San Marcos. The city is home to [[Dixon Reservoir|Dixon Lake]], [[Stone Brewing Co.]], the [[North County Mall]], and the ''[[Queen Califia's Magical Circle]]'' sculpture garden.
|-
|39
|[[Pomona, California|Pomona]]
|147,966
|[[Los Angeles County, California|Los Angeles County]]
|[[Image:L.A._County_Fair_at_Dusk_(cropped).JPG|200px]]
| Pomona is located between the [[Inland Empire]] and the [[San Gabriel Valley]]. The city is home of the [[Fairplex]], which hosts the [[Los Angeles County Fair]], the largest county fair in the United States. It is home to the second-largest polytechnic university in the United States, [[California State Polytechnic University, Pomona]].
|-
|40
|[[Visalia, California|Visalia]]
|146,271
|[[Tulare County, California|Tulare County]]
|[[Image:Visalia_Tranist_Center_2011_(cropped).jpg|200px]]
|Visalia is the county seat of Tulare County and the oldest city between Stockton and Los Angeles. It is located at the gateway to [[Sequoia National Park]].
|-
|41
|[[Victorville, California|Victorville]]
|140,721
|[[San Bernardino County, California|San Bernardino County]]
| [[Image:Spring Valley Lake, Victor Valley, California.jpg|200px]]
| Victorville is located in the [[Victor Valley, California|Victor Valley]], at the southwestern edge of the [[Mojave Desert]]. It is the site of the [[Southern California Logistics Airport]], formerly [[George Air Force Base]] before it was converted to civilian use.
|-
|42
|[[Fullerton, California|Fullerton]]
|140,054
|[[Orange County, California|Orange County]]
|[[Image:ChapmanBuilding01 (cropped).jpg|200px]]
| Historically, Fullerton was a center of agriculture, petroleum extraction, transportation, and manufacturing. It is home to several educational institutions, notably the [[California State University, Fullerton]] and [[Fullerton College]]. It is also home to [[St. Jude Medical Center]].
|-
|43
|[[Torrance, California|Torrance]]
|139,576
|[[Los Angeles County, California|Los Angeles County]]
|[[Image:Torranceca.jpg|200px]]
|Torrance is situated {{convert|11|mi|km}} south of [[Los Angeles International Airport]] (LAX), {{convert|8|mi|0}} north of the [[Port of Los Angeles]], {{convert|30|mi|km}} west of [[Disneyland]], and bounded by the [[Pacific Ocean]] on the west with {{convert|1.5|mi|km}} of beach. Incorporated in 1921, it is the eighth-largest city in [[Los Angeles County]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ci.torrance.ca.us/889.htm |title=About Torrance |access-date=2009-04-07 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090207194855/http://www.ci.torrance.ca.us/889.htm |archive-date=2009-02-07}} City of Torrance website, About Torrance</ref>
|-
|44
|[[Orange, California|Orange]]
|137,941
|[[Orange County, California|Orange County]]
|[[Image:Starbucks_at_Wells_Fargo_building,_Plaza,_101_E._Chapman_Ave.,_Orange,_California.jpg|200px]]
| Unusual for cities in Orange County, Orange preserved many of its homes that were built prior to the 1960s, now located in the city's [[Old Towne, Orange Historic District|Old Towne District]]. Orange is the home of [[Chapman University]], [[Santiago Canyon College]], [[Children's Hospital of Orange County]], and [[The Outlets at Orange]].
|-
|45
|[[Pasadena, California|Pasadena]]
|137,195
|[[Los Angeles County, California|Los Angeles County]]
| [[File:Pasadena_City_Hall_David_Wakely_(cropped).jpg|200px]]
| Pasadena is famous for hosting the annual [[Tournament of Roses Parade]] and the [[Rose Bowl Game|Rose Bowl football game]]. The city is home to many scientific and cultural institutions such as [[NASA]]'s [[Jet Propulsion Laboratory]], the [[Art Center College of Design]], and the [[California Institute of Technology]].
|-
|46
|[[Santa Clara, California|Santa Clara]]
|133,132
|[[Santa Clara County, California|Santa Clara County]]
|[[Image:Nobili Hall 1530.jpg|200px]]
| Santa Clara is located in the center of [[Silicon Valley]] and is home to the headquarters of [[Intel]], [[AMD]], [[Applied Materials]], [[Sun Microsystems]], [[NVIDIA]], [[Agilent Technologies]], and many other high-tech companies. It also is home to one of the largest theme parks in northern California, [[California's Great America]], and to [[Levi's Stadium]], a football stadium that currently serves as the home of the [[National Football League]]'s [[San Francisco 49ers]].
|-
|47
|[[Clovis, California|Clovis]]
|127,993
|[[Fresno County, California|Fresno County]]
| [[Image:SJCL Building 007.JPG|200px]]
| Clovis is the second-largest city in Fresno County. Lying at the foot of the [[Sierra Nevada (U.S.)|Sierra Nevada]] mountain range, which includes [[Yosemite National Park|Yosemite]], [[Kings Canyon National Park|Kings Canyon]], and [[Sequoia National Park|Sequoia]] national parks, Clovis has been known as the "Gateway to the Sierras".
|-
|48
|[[Simi Valley, California|Simi Valley]]
|125,778
|[[Ventura County, California|Ventura County]]
| [[File:Simi Valley surroundings.jpg|200px]]
| Simi Valley is a [[bedroom community]] located in a [[Simi Valley|valley of the same name]]. It is the site of the [[Ronald Reagan Presidential Library]]. The city is also home to the [[Brandeis-Bardin Institute]], and various parks and hiking trails are located in the [[Simi Hills]] nearby.
|-
|49
|[[Thousand Oaks, California|Thousand Oaks]]
|124,229
|[[Ventura County, California|Ventura County]]
| [[Image:Conejo Grade in Thousand Oaks (cropped).jpg|200px]]
| Thousand Oaks is the largest city in the [[Conejo Valley]] and an important economic hub for [[Ventura County, California|Ventura County]]. The city was built as a [[master-planned community]] with a balance of housing, shopping, businesses, and higher education, all surrounded by thousands of acres of open space. It is home to [[California Lutheran University]]. Thousand Oaks has consistently ranked as one of the safest cities in America.<ref name="Baker 2002 Page 26">Baker, Pam and Jim Dunham (2002). ''Thousand Oaks and Westlake Village''. Community Communications, Incorporated. Page 26. {{ISBN|9781581920611}}.</ref>
|-
|50
|[[Concord, California|Concord]]
|124,016
|[[Contra Costa County, California|Contra Costa County]]
|[[Image:Todos Santos Plaza (Concord, California) Dec 2009.jpg|200px]]
| Concord is a major regional suburban [[East Bay (San Francisco Bay Area)|East Bay]] center within the San Francisco Bay Area. The former [[Concord Naval Weapons Station]] was located to the north of the city.
|-
|51
|[[Vallejo, California|Vallejo]]
|123,475
|[[Solano County, California|Solano County]]
|[[Image:Napa River in Vallejo.jpg|200px]]
|Vallejo was home of the [[Mare Island Naval Shipyard]], one of the most important naval shipyards in the country, from the 1850s until its closure in the 1990s. It was very briefly the capital of California in 1852. It is the largest city in Solano County, and the home of [[Six Flags Discovery Kingdom]]. 
|-
|52
|[[Fairfield, California|Fairfield]]
|122,646
|[[Solano County, California|Solano County]]
|[[Image:Old Solano Courthouse.png|200px]]
|Fairfield is the county seat of Solano County, but not the largest city in the county, which is [[Vallejo, California|Vallejo]]. It is the home of [[Travis Air Force Base]] and the [[Jelly Belly]] jelly bean factory.
|-
|53
|[[Berkeley, California|Berkeley]]
|121,749
|[[Alameda County, California|Alameda County]]
|[[Image:Berkeley cityscape at sunrise (cropped).jpg|200px]]
| Noted as one of the most [[Modern liberalism in the United States|politically liberal]] cities in the nation, Berkeley is home to the [[University of California, Berkeley]], the oldest campus of the [[University of California]] system.
|-
|54
|[[Antioch, California|Antioch]]
|118,453
|[[Contra Costa County, California|Contra Costa County]]
|[[Image:Antioch_aerial_view,_August_2018_(cropped).JPG|200px]]
| Located along the [[Sacramento–San Joaquin River Delta]] and known as "The Gateway to the Delta", Antioch is a suburb of San Francisco, Oakland, and the rest of the San Francisco Bay Area. The city experienced rapid growth in the last 30 years as real estate prices have pushed families toward the outskirts of the Bay Area. Due to its location, it can also be seen as a suburb of the Sacramento Metropolitan Area.
|-
|55
|[[Menifee, California|Menifee]]
|117,041
|[[Riverside County, California|Riverside County]]
|[[File:Menifee Countryside Marketplace Original.jpg|200px]]
| Menifee, a fast-growing city located in southwestern Riverside County, incorporated in 2008. Mostly residential in character, it is home to the [[Sun City, California|Sun City]] retirement community and also encompasses the communities of [[Quail Valley, Menifee, California|Quail Valley]], Paloma Valley, and portions of [[Romoland, California|Romoland]].
|-
|56
|[[Richmond, California|Richmond]]
|115,353
|[[Contra Costa County, California|Contra Costa County]]
|[[Image:Richmond California aerial view with bridge.jpg|200px]]
| Richmond is located in western Contra Costa County along the eastern shores of [[San Francisco Bay]]. It has been called a company town based on its relationship with the [[Chevron Corporation]], and it is the site of the [[Chevron Richmond Refinery]].
|-
|57
|[[Carlsbad, California|Carlsbad]]
|113,575
|[[San Diego County, California|San Diego County]]
| [[Image:Army and Navy Academy Carlsbad 2021 - 2 (cropped).jpg|200px]]
| Carlsbad is an affluent, coastal resort city in the [[North County (San Diego area)|North San Diego County]] region. The city is mainly known for shopping, tourism, a booming high-tech industry, and resort living. It is home to the [[McClellan-Palomar Airport]], the [[Gemological Institute of America]], and the [[Legoland California]] theme park.
|-
|58
|[[Murrieta, California|Murrieta]]
|112,539
|[[Riverside County, California|Riverside County]]
|[[Image:Murrieta-kalmia.jpg|200px]]
|Murrieta is largely a bedroom community, with many of its residents commuting to jobs in the neighboring city of [[Temecula, California|Temecula]] as well as San Diego, Orange, and Los Angeles counties. The city lies just beneath the [[Santa Rosa Plateau]].
|-
|59
|[[Temecula, California|Temecula]]
|112,431
|[[Riverside County, California|Riverside County]]
|[[File:Temecula_City_Hall.jpg|200px]]
| Forming the southwestern anchor of the Inland Empire region, Temecula is home to the [[Pechanga Resort & Casino]] and the [[Temecula Valley AVA|Temecula Valley wine region]], featuring nearly 50 wineries.
|-
|60
|[[Santa Maria, California|Santa Maria]]
|111,346
|[[Santa Barbara County, California|Santa Barbara County]]
| [[Image:City Hall, angle 3, Broadway & Cook Street, Santa Maria, California LCCN2017703124 (cropped).tif|200px]]
| Santa Maria, the largest city in Santa Barbara County, is in the heart of the [[Santa Maria Valley AVA|Santa Maria Valley wine region]] and is known for its [[Santa Maria-style barbecue]]. Notable landmarks in the city include the [[Santa Maria Public Airport]] and [[Allan Hancock College]].
|-
|61
|[[Ventura, California|Ventura]]
|109,831
|[[Ventura County, California|Ventura County]]
|[[Image:Mission San Buenaventura.jpg|200px]]
| Ventura, officially the City of San Buenaventura, is the county seat of Ventura County. The city is home to the [[Mission San Buenaventura]], [[Ventura College]], and the [[Patagonia, Inc.|Patagonia]] headquarters. Ventura Harbor is home to the headquarters of [[Channel Islands National Park]], and boats to the [[Channel Islands of California|Channel Islands]] depart from there daily.
|-
|62
|[[Downey, California|Downey]]
|109,368
|[[Los Angeles County, California|Los Angeles County]]
|[[Image:Downey City Hall (cropped).jpg|200px]]
| Located southeast of downtown Los Angeles, Downey is the birthplace of the [[Apollo program|Apollo space program]] and the site of the [[Oldest McDonald's restaurant|oldest surviving McDonald's restaurant]].
|-
|63
|[[Costa Mesa, California|Costa Mesa]]
|109,131
|[[Orange County, California|Orange County]]
|[[Image:Costa Mesa 01 Photo D Ramey Logan.jpg|200px]]
| Since its incorporation in 1953, Costa Mesa has grown from a semi-rural farming community to a primarily suburban city with an economy based on retail, commerce, and light manufacturing. Costa Mesa is home to [[South Coast Plaza]], one of the largest shopping malls in the United States, as well as the [[Segerstrom Center for the Arts]].
|-
|64
|[[Jurupa Valley, California|Jurupa Valley]]
|108,154
|[[Riverside County, California|Riverside County]]
| [[File:Mount Jurupa.jpg|200px]]
| Jurupa Valley was incorporated July 1, 2011, formed from several unincorporated communities including [[Mira Loma, California|Mira Loma]], [[Glen Avon, California|Glen Avon]], [[Pedley, California|Pedley]], [[Rubidoux, California|Rubidoux]], and [[Sunnyslope, California|Sunnyslope]]. The city is home to the [[Jensen Alvarado Ranch]] historic park and museum.
|-
|65
|[[West Covina, California|West Covina]]
|106,920
|[[Los Angeles County, California|Los Angeles County]]
|[[Image:West Covina 04 - panoramio.jpg|200px]]
| West Covina is a mostly middle-class suburb located east of downtown Los Angeles in the eastern [[San Gabriel Valley]].
|-
|66
|[[Rialto, California|Rialto]]
|104,918
|[[San Bernardino County, California|San Bernardino County]]
| [[Image:1907 First Christian Church.jpg|200px]]
| Rialto is home to three major regional [[distribution center]]s: [[Staples, Inc.]], which serves stores across the entire [[West Coast of the United States]], [[FedEx]], and [[Target Corporation|Target]].
|-
|67
|[[El Monte, California|El Monte]]
|104,639
|[[Los Angeles County, California|Los Angeles County]]
| [[Image:El Monte Station cycle park.jpg|200px]]
| El Monte lies in the [[San Gabriel Valley]] region and was formerly a crossroad along the [[Old Spanish Trail (trade route)|Old Spanish Trail]]. It is home to [[Penske Motor Group]], one of the largest car dealerships in the world.
|- 
|68
|[[Vacaville, California|Vacaville]]
|103,994
|[[Solano County, California|Solano County]]
| [[Image:Vacaville, California, USA.jpg|200px]]
| Vacaville is located nearly halfway between Sacramento and San Francisco. It is home to several biotechnology/pharmaceutical facilities.
|-
|69
|[[Burbank, California|Burbank]]
|103,533
|[[Los Angeles County, California|Los Angeles County]]
|[[Image:Burbank widok.JPG|200px]]
| Burbank is nicknamed the "Media Capital of the World"<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.usacitydirectories.com/travelamerica/index.php?entry=entry070420-130359 | title = Burbank, Ca. – Media Capital of the World | work = Travel America | date = 20 April 2007 | access-date = 6 May 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150910002324/http://www.usacitydirectories.com/travelamerica/index.php?entry=entry070420-130359 | archive-date = 10 September 2015 | url-status = dead }}</ref> for being the home of many media and entertainment production companies, including [[Warner Bros.|Warner Bros. Entertainment]], [[Warner Music Group]], [[NBC Universal]], [[The Walt Disney Company]], [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]], [[Cartoon Network Studios]], and [[Nickelodeon]]. 
|-
|70
|[[El Cajon, California|El Cajon]]
|103,291
|[[San Diego County, California|San Diego County]]
| [[Image:El Cajon, California (15656405045) (cropped).jpg|200px]]
| El Cajon is located east of San Diego. Nestled in a valley surrounded by mountains, the city has acquired the nickname of "The Big Box".<ref name="El Cajon city history">{{Cite web|url=http://www.ci.el-cajon.ca.us/about/history.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070613005831/http://www.ci.el-cajon.ca.us/about/history.html|title=El Cajon city history|archive-date=June 13, 2007}}</ref> The city is home to [[Grossmont College]] and [[Gillespie Field]].
|-
|71
|[[San Mateo, California|San Mateo]]
|103,006
|[[San Mateo County, California|San Mateo County]]
|[[Image:MCB-san-mateo-aerial.jpg|200px]]
| [[San Mateo, California|San Mateo]] is located about 20 miles south of [[San Francisco]]. San Mateo has one of the better-developed suburban downtowns in the [[San Francisco Bay Area]], home to over 800 shops and restaurants. The economy of San Mateo consists of jobs in the tech, healthcare, financial, government, and retail fields. Companies based in San Mateo include [[Sony Interactive Entertainment]], [[Franklin Templeton Investments]], [[Fisher Investments]], [[Samsung|Solstice]], [[Guidewire Software]], [[Coupa]], [[Snowflake Inc.]], [[Roblox Corporation]], [[Marketo]], [[Momentive (software company)|SurveyMonkey]], [[Devsisters|Devsisters USA]], and [[GoPro]].
|-
|72
|[[Chico, California|Chico]]
|102,911
|[[Butte County, California|Butte County]]
|[[Image:201 Broadway Street - Chico, California - DSC03037.JPG|200px]]
|Chico is the largest city north of Sacramento and the retail hub of the mid-Sacramento Valley. It is home to  [[California State University Chico]], [[Bidwell Park]], and [[Sierra Nevada Brewing Company]].
|-
|73
|[[Inglewood, California|Inglewood]]
|102,774
|[[Los Angeles County, California|Los Angeles County]]
| [[Image:Church of Scientology Inglewood Community Center.jpg|200px]]
|Located southwest of downtown Los Angeles, Inglewood is home to the world-famous [[The Forum (Inglewood)|The Forum]] arena, landmark [[Randy's Donuts]], and [[SoFi Stadium]], home of the [[National Football League]]'s [[Los Angeles Rams]] and [[Los Angeles Chargers]].
|-
|74
|[[Hesperia, California|Hesperia]]
|101,836
|[[San Bernardino County, California|San Bernardino County]]
| [[Image:Wildflowers, Silverwood Lake, CA 2015 (27058803594).jpg|200px]]
| Hesperia is a semi-rural suburban community located in the [[High Desert (California)|High Desert]] region of the [[Mojave Desert]], {{convert|25|mi}} north of San Bernardino. 
|-
|75
|[[Daly City, California|Daly City]]
|101,418
|[[San Mateo County, California|San Mateo County]]
|[[Image:View from Bayview Park - February 2018 (6731).jpg|200px]]
|San Francisco's southern neighbor, Daly City houses the famous [[Cow Palace]] (which is often believed to be in San Francisco), as well as the largest Filipino population outside of the [[Philippines]].
|-
|76
|[[Tracy, California|Tracy]]
|100,136
|[[San Joaquin County, California|San Joaquin County]]
|[[Image:Tracy_Transit_Center_2290_01_(cropped).JPG|200px]]
| Tracy is the second most populated city in San Joaquin County. The city has experienced rapid growth since the 1980s, becoming an exurb of the [[San Francisco Bay Area]] as more people looked for a more affordable alternative to Bay Area home prices and a less hectic lifestyle.
|-
|77
|[[Vista, California|Vista]]
|99,322
|[[San Diego County, California|San Diego County]]
| [[Image:View of South Santa Fe.jpg|200px]]
| Vista is located just {{convert|7|mi|0}} inland from the Pacific Ocean in northern San Diego County. The city has more than 25 educational institutions, and a business park home to over 800 companies.
|-
|78
|[[Norwalk, California|Norwalk]]
|98,230
|[[Los Angeles County, California|Los Angeles County]]
| [[Image:Cerritos College Cerritos CA.jpg|200px]]
| Norwalk is a [[Gateway Cities|Gateway City]] located southeast of downtown Los Angeles. Norwalk is the home of [[Cerritos College]] and the Los Angeles County Registrar/Recorder. 
|-
|79
|[[San Marcos, California|San Marcos]]
|96,620
|[[San Diego County, California|San Diego County]]
|[[File:Cal State San Marcos library.jpg|200px]] 
| San Marcos is a North County suburb of San Diego and home of the two-year [[Palomar College]] and the four-year [[California State University, San Marcos]]. The [[Lake San Marcos, California|Lake San Marcos]] resort community is surrounded by the city of San Marcos.
|-
|80
|[[Merced, California|Merced]]
|96,073
|[[Merced County, California|Merced County]]
|[[File:Merced Theatre.JPG|200px]]
|Merced, known as the "Gateway to Yosemite", is located in Central California. The [[University of California, Merced]] campus is located northeast of the city.
|-
|81
|[[Manteca, California|Manteca]]
|94,292
|[[San Joaquin County, California|San Joaquin County]]
|[[File:MantecaCA.jpg|200px]]
| Manteca ([[Spanish language|Spanish]] for "[[lard]]") is a fast-growing city located about 12 miles south of [[Stockton, California|Stockton]] and 17 miles northwest of [[Modesto, California|Modesto]]. Built along the [[California State Route 120|State Route 120]] freeway, between [[Interstate 5 (California)|Interstate 5]] and [[California State Route 99|State Route 99]], the city has experienced rapid growth since the 1980s as a result of families and commuters moving out of the [[San Francisco Bay Area|Bay Area]] located 30 miles to the west.
|-
|82
|[[Indio, California|Indio]]
|94,275
|[[Riverside County, California|Riverside County]]
|[[File:Coachella 2013 Do Lab and Helix Poeticus.jpg|200px]]
| Indio is located in the [[Coachella Valley]] region of the [[Sonoran Desert]], {{convert|23|mi}} east of [[Palm Springs, California|Palm Springs]] and {{convert|128|mi}} east of [[Los Angeles]]. Indio and its surrounding communities are regarded as a major agricultural center for [[Southern California]] and is the home of the world-renowned [[Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival|Coachella]] and [[Stagecoach Festival|Stagecoach]] music festivals.
|-
|83
|[[Chino, California|Chino]]
|94,010
|[[San Bernardino County, California|San Bernardino County]]
| [[Image:Chino Airport Aerial View.jpg|200px]]
| Chino and its surroundings have long been a center of agriculture and dairy farming, serving the considerable demands for milk products in Southern California and much of the southwestern United States. [[Prado Regional Park]] is located in the southern portion of the city.
|-
|84
|[[Redding, California|Redding]]
|93,502
|[[Shasta County, California|Shasta County]]
|[[Image:Sundial Bridge - Redding, California (8786121883).jpg|200px]]
|Located on the banks of the [[Sacramento River]], Redding is the second-largest city in California north of Sacramento. It is the gateway to numerous recreation areas including [[Shasta Lake]], the [[Trinity Alps]], and [[Mount Shasta]]. It is also home to the [[Sundial Bridge at Turtle Bay]], the world's largest sundial.
|-
|85
|[[Hemet, California|Hemet]]
|92,912
| [[Riverside County, California|Riverside County]]
| [[File:Harvard District - Downtown Hemet.jpg|200px]]
| Hemet, in the [[San Jacinto Valley]], is the home of the [[The Ramona Pageant|''Ramona Pageant'']], one of the longest running outdoor plays in the United States. Hemet is also the home of the [[Western Science Center]], the [[Hemet-Ryan Airport]], and the [[Diamond Valley Lake|Diamond Valley Reservoir]].
|-
|86
|[[Folsom, California|Folsom]]
|92,577 
|[[Sacramento County, California|Sacramento County]]
|[[Image:Folsom, California - Sutter Street 2015.jpg|200px]]
|Located about {{convert|25|mi|km}} east of Sacramento, Folsom features a historic downtown and is home to landmarks such as [[Folsom State Prison]] and [[Folsom Lake]].
|-
|87
|[[Mission Viejo, California|Mission Viejo]]
|91,601
|[[Orange County, California|Orange County]]
| [[Image:Snow at Lake Mission Viejo 005 (cropped).jpg|200px]]
| Located in southern Orange County in the [[Saddleback Valley]], Mission Viejo is considered one of the largest [[Planned community|master-planned communities]] ever built under a single project in the United States. The city is home to [[Saddleback College]], [[Mission Hospital (Mission Viejo, California)|Providence Mission Hospital]], and a regional shopping mall known as [[The Shops at Mission Viejo]].
|-
|88
|[[Carson, California|Carson]]
|91,358
|[[Los Angeles County, California|Los Angeles County]]
|[[File:Leo F. Cain Library (cropped).jpg|200px]]
|Carson is a suburb in the [[South Bay, Los Angeles|South Bay]] region of [[Greater Los Angeles Area|Greater Los Angeles]]. It is home of [[California State University, Dominguez Hills]], and the [[Dignity Health Sports Park]] sports complex, the home stadium of the [[LA Galaxy]].
|-
|89
|[[Compton, California|Compton]]
|91,129
|[[Los Angeles County, California|Los Angeles County]]
|[[Image:Compton martin luther king monument.jpg|200px]]
|An inner suburb of Los Angeles, Compton is known for its large [[African American]] and [[Hispanic and Latino Americans|Latino]] communities. The city is home to Richland Farms, one of the last urban farming communities in the Los Angeles metro area, and is also almost universally considered to be the birthplace of [[gangsta rap]].
|-
|90
|[[South Gate, California|South Gate]]
|90,805
|[[Los Angeles County, California|Los Angeles County]]
|[[File:Lucky south gate.jpg|200px]]
| Located southeast of downtown Los Angeles, South Gate is part of the [[Gateway Cities]] region of Los Angeles County. In 1990, South Gate was one of ten U.S. communities to receive the [[All-America City Award]] from the [[National Civic League]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ncl.org/aac/past_winners/past_winners.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100707222907/http://www.ncl.org/aac/past_winners/past_winners.html|title=Past Winners of the All-America City Award|archive-date=July 7, 2010}}</ref>
|-
|91
|[[Santa Monica, California|Santa Monica]]
|90,729
|[[Los Angeles County, California|Los Angeles County]]
| [[Image:Santa Monica Beach with pier 4 (cropped).JPG|200px]]
| Santa Monica, a famed beachfront city surrounded on three sides by Los Angeles, is home to a mixture of affluent, single-family neighborhoods, renters, surfers, young professionals, and students. It is the site of the world-famous [[Santa Monica Pier]] and the headquarters of several companies such as [[Universal Music Group]], [[Activision Blizzard]], and the [[RAND Corporation]].
|-
|92
|[[Westminster, California|Westminster]]
|89,537
|[[Orange County, California|Orange County]]
| [[Image:Phuoc_Loc_Tho_Tet_2008.jpg|200px]]
| Westminster is known for its [[Vietnamese American]] community, one of the largest in the United States.
|-

|93
|[[Mountain View, California|Mountain View]]
|87,316
|[[Santa Clara County, California|Santa Clara County]]
|[[Image:Googleplex HQ (cropped).jpg|200px]]
|Located in the heart of the [[Silicon Valley]] technology hub, Mountain View serves as the headquarters for companies such as [[Google]], [[Alphabet Inc.]], and [[Intuit]] and was the home of the [[Shockley Semiconductor Laboratory]].
|-
|94
|[[Santa Barbara, California|Santa Barbara]]
|87,291
|[[Santa Barbara County, California|Santa Barbara County]]
|[[Image:Mission_Santa_Barbara_-_Flickr_-_brewbooks_(cropped).jpg|200px]]
|Santa Barbara is a popular tourist and resort coastal city, known for its Spanish style architecture, coastal weather, mountain backdrops, and numerous sandy beaches. The [[University of California, Santa Barbara]] campus sits west of the city, adjacent to Isla Vista and the Pacific Ocean.
|-
|95
|[[Lake Forest, California|Lake Forest]]
|87,159
|[[Orange County, California|Orange County]]
|[[File:Lake Forest and Laguna Hills Photo D Ramey Logan.jpg|200px]]
| Lake Forest, in inland Orange County, is primarily suburban in character. The planned community of [[Foothill Ranch, Lake Forest, California|Foothill Ranch]] is located in Lake Forest. The city lies in close proximity to [[Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park]] and [[Limestone Canyon Regional Park]].
|-
|96
|[[Citrus Heights, California|Citrus Heights]]
|86,909
|[[Sacramento County, California|Sacramento County]]
|[[Image:Northwoods Park, Citrus Heights, CA - panoramio (cropped).jpg|200px]]
| Citrus Heights is a suburb located northeast of Sacramento. It is home to the [[Sunrise Mall (Citrus Heights, California)|Sunrise Mall]].
|-
|97
|[[San Leandro, California|San Leandro]]
|86,571
|[[Alameda County, California|Alameda County]]
| [[Image:Aerial view of San Leandro Marina and golf course.jpg|200px]]
|Historically a town with dozens of huge cherry farms and a Spanish missionary ranch, [[San Leandro]] today is a rapidly growing city of worldwide industries and a suburb of [[Oakland]].
|-
|98
|[[San Ramon, California|San Ramon]]
|85,924
|[[Contra Costa County, California|Contra Costa County]]
| [[File:2600 Bishop Ranch.jpg|200px]]
| San Ramon is a city located in the [[San Ramon Valley]], {{convert|34|mi|km}} east of San Francisco. It is home to several company headquarters such as  [[Chevron Corporation|Chevron]], [[The Cooper Companies]], [[24 Hour Fitness]], the [[West Coast of the United States|West Coast]] headquarters of [[AT&T]], and [[GE Digital]]. 
|-
|99
|[[Whittier, California|Whittier]]
|85,589
|[[Los Angeles County, California|Los Angeles County]]
|[[Image:Greenleaf Street in Whittier California.jpg|200px]]
| Whittier is part of the [[Gateway Cities]] of Los Angeles County and is home to [[Whittier College]]. 
|-
|100
|[[Livermore, California|Livermore]]
|84,867
|[[Alameda County, California|Alameda County]]
|[[Image:Downtown Livermore (cropped).jpg|200px]]
|Located on the eastern edge of San Francisco Bay Area, Livermore is home of [[Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory]] and the [[Centennial Light]]. It is the largest city in the [[Tri-Valley]] area. 
|}

== Map ==
{{Location map+|California|places={{location map~|California|lat=34.054|long=-118.245|label='''[[Los Angeles]]'''|position=left}}
{{location map~|California|lat=32.717|long=-117.166|label='''[[San Diego]]'''}}
{{location map~|California|lat=37.338|long=-121.888|label='''[[San Jose, California|San Jose]]'''}}
{{location map~|California|lat=37.779|long=-122.420|label='''[[San Francisco]]'''|position=left}}
{{location map~|California|lat=36.739|long=-119.787|label='''[[Fresno]]'''}}
{{location map~|California|lat=38.582|long=-121.496|label='''[[Sacramento]]'''}}
{{location map~|California|lat=33.769|long=-118.192|label='''[[Long Beach]]'''|position=left}}
{{location map~|California|lat=37.795|long=-122.263|label='''[[Oakland]]'''}}
{{location map~|California|lat=35.373|long=-119.023|label='''[[Bakersfield]]'''}}
{{location map~|California|lat=33.835|long=-117.915|label='''[[Anaheim]]'''}}
{{location map~|California|lat=37.957|long=-121.294|label='''[[Stockton, California|Stockton]]'''}}
{{location map~|California|lat=33.956|long=-117.395|label='''[[Riverside, California|Riverside]]'''|position=right}}
{{location map~|California|lat=33.749|long=-117.873|label='''[[Santa Ana, California|Santa Ana]]'''}}
{{location map~|California|lat=33.680|long=-117.779|label='''[[Irvine, California|Irvine]]'''|position=bottom}}
{{location map~|California|lat=32.629|long=-117.089|label='''[[Chula Vista]]'''}}
{{location map~|California|lat=37.548|long=-121.989|label='''[[Fremont, California|Fremont]]'''}}
{{location map~|California|lat=34.413|long=-118.556|label='''[[Santa Clarita]]'''|position=top}}
{{location map~|California|lat=34.134|long=-117.295|label='''[[San Bernardino]]'''|position=top}}
{{location map~|California|lat=37.641|long=-121.003|label='''[[Modesto]]'''}}
{{location map~|California|lat=34.060|long=-117.604|label='''[[Ontario, California|Ontario]]'''|position=right}}
{{location map~|California|lat=38.418|long= -121.397|label='''[[Elk Grove, California|Elk Grove]]'''}}
{{location map~|California|lat=38.484|long= -122.715|label='''[[Santa Rosa, California|Santa Rosa]]'''}}
{{location map~|California|lat=33.198|long= -117.382|label='''[[Oceanside, California|Oceanside]]'''}}
{{location map~|California|lat=38.748|long= -121.285|label='''[[Roseville, California|Roseville]]'''}}
{{location map~|California|lat=36.675|long=-121.660|label='''[[Salinas, California|Salinas]]'''}}
{{location map~|California|lat=36.329|long= -119.292|label='''[[Visalia]]'''}}
{{location map~|California|lat=34.148|long= -118.146|label='''[[Pasadena, California|Pasadena]]'''|position=top}}
{{location map~|California|lat=37.871|long=-122.262|label='''[[Berkeley, California|Berkeley]]'''}}
{{location map~|California|lat=38.239|long=-122.081|label='''[[Fairfield, California|Fairfield]]'''}}
{{location map~|California|lat=33.494|long=-117.150|label='''[[Temecula, California|Temecula]]'''}}
{{location map~|California|lat=34.271|long= -119.256|label='''[[San Buenaventura, California|Ventura]]'''}}
{{location map~|California|lat=39.728|long= -121.837|label='''[[Chico, California|Chico]]'''}}
{{location map~|California|lat=40.586|long= -122.391|label='''[[Redding, California|Redding]]'''}}
{{location map~|California|lat=37.303|long= -120.488|label='''[[Merced, California|Merced]]'''}}
{{location map~|California|lat=34.420|long= -119.701|label='''[[Santa Barbara, California|Santa Barbara]]'''|position=top}}
|width=1000|float=center|caption=Major well-known cities in California.}}

==See also==
{{portal|border=no|Cities|California}}
*[[List of cities and towns in California]]
*[[List of cities and towns in the San Francisco Bay Area]]
*[[List of California urban areas]]
*[[List of United States cities by population]]
*[[List of largest U.S. municipalities by race/ethnicity in 2020]]

==References==
{{Reflist|2}}

{{Clear}}
{{California}}
{{Lists of settlements by U.S. state}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:List Of Cities In California (By Population)}}
[[Category:Lists of cities in California|Population]]
[[Category:Lists of cities in the United States by population|California]]