Map of California – Cities, Geography, Counties & Stats (2024)

California, the third-largest state in the U.S., is located on the West Coast, with the Pacific Ocean to the west and neighboring Oregon, Nevada, and Arizona.

To the south, it shares a border with Mexico.

The U.S. acquired the region from Mexico in 1848, and its boundaries have largely remained the same since then.

Unlike many other states, California was never officially organized as a U.S. territory. Instead, it was governed by a federal military authority from 1848 until it achieved statehood.

On September 9, 1850, California was admitted to the Union as the 31st state with the capital city of Sacramento and the biggest city of Los Angeles.

California State Map and Satelite View

California, the third-largest U.S. state, spans approximately 155,858 square miles along the country’s western edge.

It is bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the west, Oregon to the north, Nevada and Arizona to the east, and Mexico to the south.

Known for its diverse geography, California features over 840 miles of coastline, fertile valleys, rugged mountains, and arid deserts.

The Sierra Nevada range in the east is home to Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the contiguous U.S. at 14,505 feet.

In contrast, Death Valley, one of the hottest places on Earth, lies 282 feet below sea level.

The Central Valley is a global agricultural powerhouse, while the state’s varied climate supports ecosystems ranging from Mediterranean to alpine.

Geography Map

California, covering 163,696 square miles (423,970 km²), is the third-largest U.S. state, following Alaska and Texas.

It is geographically diverse and typically divided into two main regions: Northern California (48 counties) and Southern California (10 counties).

The state is bordered by Oregon to the north, Nevada and Arizona to the east, the Pacific Ocean to the west, and Mexico’s Baja California to the south.

California Central Valley

The Central Valley, located in the heart of California, is flanked by the Sierra Nevada to the east, coastal mountain ranges to the west, the Cascade Range to the north, and the Tehachapi Mountains to the south.

It is divided into the Sacramento Valley (north) and San Joaquin Valley (south), named after their respective rivers.

The valley is vital for agriculture, and water is diverted through the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta to supply nearly 23 million people.

Major Mountain Ranges and Peaks

The Sierra Nevada range contains Mount Whitney, the tallest peak in the contiguous U.S. at 14,505 feet. It is also home to Yosemite Valley and Sequoia National Park, which boasts the largest living trees, the giant sequoias.

Glaciers and alpine features dominate its higher elevations. In the west, Clear Lake is the largest entirely California-based freshwater lake, while Lake Tahoe, shared with Nevada, is the largest by volume.

Deserts and Valleys

The Mojave Desert in the south includes Death Valley, the hottest and lowest place in North America, with Badwater Basin sitting 279 feet below sea level.

Owens Valley and Mono Lake in the eastern Sierra Nevada serve as critical habitats.

The Salton Sea, a large inland saltwater lake, lies in the Colorado Desert.

Forests and Ecology

About 45% of California is covered by forests, with unmatched diversity in pine species.

The White Mountains host ancient bristlecone pines over 5,000 years old. Diverse ecosystems range from desert plants like Joshua trees to alpine flora in the Arctic zones of high elevations.

Volcanic Activity and Earthquakes

California is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire and experiences frequent earthquakes, with over 37,000 recorded annually.

Notable fault lines include the San Andreas Fault. Volcanoes, such as Mount Shasta, pose potential risks. Natural disasters like wildfires, landslides, and droughts are also common.

Regions of California

Climate of California

California has a Mediterranean climate where the state sees little to no rain for several months in the summer. Completely normal. pic.twitter.com/tizx7xy2bO

— Colin McCarthy (@US_Stormwatch) August 27, 2024

California has a Mediterranean climate, with cool, foggy coastal summers and hot inland regions. Northern areas receive more rain, while southern areas are arid. The Sierra Nevada creates alpine climates, with snowfall in winter.

Coastal areas, such as San Francisco and San Diego, are cooler in summer compared to inland cities like Fresno and Sacramento. Death Valley holds the world’s record for the highest temperature, at 134 °F (56.7 °C), while the state’s lowest was −45 °F (−43 °C) in Boca.

Ecology and Wildlife

California’s ecological diversity supports endemic species, including the giant sequoia and Catalina ironwood.

Six life zones, ranging from deserts to alpine regions, host unique plant and animal species. Wildlife includes black bears, cougars, California condors, and aquatic species such as salmon.

However, urbanization and invasive species threaten many habitats, with over 300 plant and animal species listed as endangered or threatened.

Rivers and Water Systems

The Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers form California’s largest river system, vital for agriculture and water supply.

The delta they form flows into San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean.

Other key rivers include the Colorado River along the southeast border and the Klamath and Trinity Rivers in the north. Many rivers are dammed to support water projects that distribute resources across the state.

Population Heat Map

California, a vast and diverse state on the U.S. West Coast, is home to one of the most varied populations in the world.

According to the 2020 U.S. Census, California’s population stood at 39,538,223, making it the most populous state by a significant margin over Texas, which has about 29 million people.

But in 2024 it slightly decreased to 39,128,162 according to government sources.

A large portion of California’s population resides in major cities.

The state is home to the country’s second-largest city, Los Angeles, and three of the nation’s ten largest cities (Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Jose). It also contains the most populous county, Los Angeles County.

By 2030, California’s population is expected to exceed 42 million, although recent declines in growth may affect this projection.

California is the third-largest state by area, resulting in a population density of 251.3 people per square mile, placing it 11th among U.S. states in terms of density.

The median age in California is 36 years, with a nearly even gender split: 50.3% female and 49.6% male.

Religiously, 63% of Californians identify with a Christian faith, 9% with non-Christian religions, and 27% are unaffiliated.

California has a robust natural growth rate, with births significantly outnumbering deaths. Between 2000 and 2009, the state recorded 5,058,440 births and 2,179,958 deaths, leading to a natural increase of 3,090,016 people. Immigration also plays a significant role in California’s population, with the state attracting people since the Gold Rush.

From 2000 to 2009, California experienced a net migration gain of 306,925. It is estimated that around 6.3% of California’s residents are undocumented immigrants.

California is not only larger than all but 35 countries globally but is also the second most populous subnational entity in the world, following only Sao Paulo in Brazil.

Largest Cities in CA

California’s ten most populous cities reflect the state’s urban diversity and population density.

Los Angeles leads with a population of over 3,795,936, though it has seen a slight decline in recent years. San Diego and San Jose follow, with densities of 4,260 and 5,375 people per square mile, respectively.

While some cities like Bakersfield and Fresno show modest growth, others, including San Francisco and Long Beach, have experienced population declines.

California Counties