List of Counties in California

California has 58 counties. The largest counties by population are Los Angeles County (the most populous county in the U.S.), San Diego County, Orange County, Riverside County, San Bernardino County, Santa Clara County, Alameda County, Sacramento County, Contra Costa County, and Fresno County. Los Angeles County is the largest by far, with a population that exceeds many U.S. states, and it is home to Los Angeles, the second-largest city in the country. Other populous counties are part of major metropolitan regions such as the San Francisco Bay Area and the Inland Empire.

Counties in California

List of All Counties in California

  1. Alameda County, California
  2. Alpine County, California
  3. Amador County, California
  4. Butte County, California
  5. Calaveras County, California
  6. Colusa County, California
  7. Contra Costa County, California
  8. Del Norte County, California
  9. El Dorado County, California
  10. Fresno County, California
  11. Glenn County, California
  12. Humboldt County, California
  13. Imperial County, California
  14. Inyo County, California
  15. Kern County, California
  16. Kings County, California
  17. Lake County, California
  18. Lassen County, California
  19. Los Angeles County, California
  20. Madera County, California
  21. Marin County, California
  22. Mariposa County, California
  23. Mendocino County, California
  24. Merced County, California
  25. Modoc County, California
  26. Mono County, California
  27. Monterey County, California
  28. Napa County, California
  29. Nevada County, California
  30. Orange County, California
  31. Placer County, California
  32. Plumas County, California
  33. Riverside County, California
  34. Sacramento County, California
  35. San Benito County, California
  36. San Bernardino County, California
  37. San Diego County, California
  38. San Joaquin County, California
  39. San Luis Obispo County, California
  40. San Mateo County, California
  41. Santa Barbara County, California
  42. Santa Clara County, California
  43. Santa Cruz County, California
  44. Shasta County, California
  45. Sierra County, California
  46. Siskiyou County, California
  47. Solano County, California
  48. Sonoma County, California
  49. Stanislaus County, California
  50. Sutter County, California
  51. Tehama County, California
  52. The City and County of San Francisco, California
  53. Trinity County, California
  54. Tulare County, California
  55. Tuolumne County, California
  56. Ventura County, California
  57. Yolo County, California
  58. Yuba County, California

1. San Bernardino County

Overview

San Bernardino County is the largest county in California by land area and the largest county in the contiguous United States, covering vast desert, mountain, and valley regions. It is located in Southern California, bordering Nevada and Arizona to the east, Riverside County to the south, and Los Angeles County to the west. The county is known for its extreme geographical diversity, from the peaks of the San Bernardino Mountains to the arid Mojave Desert. Established in 1853, the county played an important role in California’s early settlement and transportation routes, including historic Route 66. Today, San Bernardino County has a diverse economy driven by logistics, manufacturing, and transportation, with significant growth in suburban areas due to its proximity to Los Angeles.

County Facts

  • Population: Approximately 2.2 million (2023 estimate)
  • County Seat: San Bernardino
  • Major Airports: Ontario International Airport, San Bernardino International Airport
  • Major Highways: I-10, I-15, I-40, US-395, CA-18

2. Inyo County

Overview

Inyo County is located in eastern California, encompassing the eastern Sierra Nevada mountain range and parts of the Owens Valley. It borders Nevada to the east, Fresno County to the west, and San Bernardino County to the south. Inyo County is known for its dramatic landscapes, including Death Valley National Park, the lowest point in North America, and Mount Whitney, the highest point in the contiguous U.S. The county is sparsely populated due to its vast desert areas, and its economy relies heavily on tourism and recreation. Inyo County was established in 1866, and its history is closely tied to the mining boom and the development of the water supply for Los Angeles.

County Facts

  • Population: Approximately 18,000 (2023 estimate)
  • County Seat: Independence
  • Major Airports: Eastern Sierra Regional Airport (Bishop)
  • Major Highways: US-395, CA-136, CA-190

3. Kern County

Overview

Kern County is located in the southern Central Valley of California and extends into the Sierra Nevada and Mojave Desert. It is bordered by Los Angeles County to the south, San Bernardino County to the east, and Kings and Tulare counties to the north. Bakersfield, the county seat, is a major hub for oil production and agriculture, with the county playing a central role in California’s energy and farming industries. Kern County has a diverse geography, from fertile farmlands to oil fields and wind farms in the Tehachapi Mountains. Established in 1866, Kern County has been crucial to California’s development, particularly due to its vast natural resources.

County Facts

  • Population: Approximately 920,000 (2023 estimate)
  • County Seat: Bakersfield
  • Major Airports: Meadows Field Airport (Bakersfield)
  • Major Highways: I-5, CA-99, CA-58, CA-178

4. Riverside County

Overview

Riverside County is located in Southern California and stretches from the greater Los Angeles area in the west to the Arizona border in the east. It is bordered by San Bernardino County to the north and San Diego County to the south. Riverside County includes part of the Inland Empire region and is known for its rapidly growing suburban communities, desert landscapes, and resort areas like Palm Springs. The county’s economy is diverse, with agriculture, tourism, and logistics being significant contributors. Established in 1893, Riverside County has a rich history tied to its agricultural roots, particularly in citrus production, and its modern development as a suburban extension of Los Angeles.

County Facts

  • Population: Approximately 2.5 million (2023 estimate)
  • County Seat: Riverside
  • Major Airports: Palm Springs International Airport, March Air Reserve Base
  • Major Highways: I-10, I-15, I-215, US-60, CA-91

5. Fresno County

Overview

Fresno County is located in the heart of California’s Central Valley, bordered by Madera County to the north, Kings County to the south, and the Sierra Nevada mountains to the east. The county seat is Fresno, a major agricultural and economic hub. Fresno County is one of the most productive agricultural regions in the United States, particularly known for its production of grapes, almonds, and citrus fruits. The county’s geography includes fertile farmlands in the valley and the rugged peaks of the Sierra Nevada, with Yosemite National Park lying just to the north. Fresno County was established in 1856 and has played a central role in California’s agricultural history.

County Facts

  • Population: Approximately 1 million (2023 estimate)
  • County Seat: Fresno
  • Major Airports: Fresno Yosemite International Airport
  • Major Highways: CA-99, I-5, CA-41, CA-180

6. Imperial County

Overview

Imperial County is located in the southeastern part of California, bordering Mexico to the south and Arizona to the east. It is a predominantly desert region, with the Colorado River running along its eastern edge. The county seat is El Centro, which serves as the economic and administrative center for the region. Imperial County is known for its agriculture, particularly in the Imperial Valley, where irrigation from the Colorado River has transformed the desert into one of the most productive farming areas in California. The county was established in 1907 and has a unique history tied to water rights and the development of the All-American Canal, which supplies water to the valley.

County Facts

  • Population: Approximately 180,000 (2023 estimate)
  • County Seat: El Centro
  • Major Airports: Imperial County Airport
  • Major Highways: I-8, CA-111, CA-86, CA-115

7. Los Angeles County

Overview

Los Angeles County, located in Southern California, is the most populous county in the United States and one of the most famous due to its vast urban centers, cultural landmarks, and entertainment industry. The county is bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the west, Ventura County to the northwest, and Orange County to the southeast. The county seat is Los Angeles, the second-largest city in the U.S., known worldwide for Hollywood, its beaches, and its diverse cultural and economic landscape. Los Angeles County’s economy is driven by entertainment, technology, trade, and tourism. Established in 1850, the county has a long history tied to the Spanish colonial era and the early growth of California.

County Facts

  • Population: Approximately 10 million (2023 estimate)
  • County Seat: Los Angeles
  • Major Airports: Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Hollywood Burbank Airport, Long Beach Airport
  • Major Highways: I-5, I-10, I-405, I-105, US-101

8. Tulare County

Overview

Tulare County is located in the central part of California’s Central Valley, bordered by Fresno County to the north and Kern County to the south. The county seat is Visalia, a city known for its agricultural production and proximity to Sequoia National Park. Tulare County is one of the top agricultural counties in the U.S., producing a wide variety of crops, including citrus, dairy, and cotton. The eastern part of the county is mountainous, with the Sierra Nevada rising sharply and including some of the tallest peaks in the lower 48 states. Tulare County was established in 1852 and has deep roots in California’s agricultural and environmental history.

County Facts

  • Population: Approximately 480,000 (2023 estimate)
  • County Seat: Visalia
  • Major Airports: Visalia Municipal Airport
  • Major Highways: CA-99, CA-198, CA-65

9. Monterey County

Overview

Monterey County is located on California’s central coast, bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Central Valley to the east. The county seat is Salinas, known for its agricultural economy and as the birthplace of author John Steinbeck. Monterey County is famous for its stunning coastline, including the scenic Big Sur region, as well as for its historic city of Monterey, once the capital of Alta California under Spanish and Mexican rule. The county’s economy is driven by tourism, agriculture (especially lettuce and other vegetables), and education, with institutions like the Naval Postgraduate School. Established in 1850, Monterey County has a rich cultural history and remains a major tourist destination.

County Facts

  • Population: Approximately 440,000 (2023 estimate)
  • County Seat: Salinas
  • Major Airports: Monterey Regional Airport
  • Major Highways: US-101, CA-1, CA-68

10. Shasta County

Overview

Shasta County is located in northern California, bordered by the Cascade Range to the north and the Central Valley to the south. The county seat is Redding, a city known for its proximity to natural attractions like Shasta Lake, Lassen Volcanic National Park, and the Sacramento River. The county’s economy is based on tourism, forestry, and healthcare, with the city of Redding serving as a regional hub for northern California. Shasta County has a rugged landscape dominated by mountains, forests, and water bodies, making it a popular destination for outdoor activities. The county was established in 1850, and its history includes gold mining and the development of the railroad in the late 19th century.

County Facts

  • Population: Approximately 180,000 (2023 estimate)
  • County Seat: Redding
  • Major Airports: Redding Municipal Airport
  • Major Highways: I-5, CA-299, CA-44