California is the most populous state in the United States and the third-largest by area. Known for its diverse landscapes, strong economy, and global cultural influence, California is home to many of the country’s most important urban centers. The following is a list of the 10 largest cities in California by population. Let’s read.
Top 10 largest cities in California by population
| Rank | City | Population (2025 estimate) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Los Angeles | 3,869,089 |
| 2 | San Diego | 1,406,106 |
| 3 | San Jose | 989,814 |
| 4 | San Francisco | 826,079 |
| 5 | Fresno | 555,549 |
| 6 | Sacramento | 536,449 |
| 7 | Long Beach | 450,469 |
| 8 | Oakland | 440,838 |
| 9 | Bakersfield | 422,165 |
| 10 | Anaheim | 341,008 |
Key points
- Los Angeles is the most populous city in California. It is also the second-most populous city in the United States after New York City.
- San Diego is the second-most populous city in California. It is also the eighth-most populous city in the United States.
- Sacramento, the capital of California, is the sixth most populous city in the state.
- San Diego is the most populous border city in the United States. It is located near the international border between the United States and Mexico.
- San Jose, San Francisco, and Oakland are three major cities in the San Francisco Bay Area.
(Also read: The geography of California – landforms, cities, borders, etc.)
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