County of los angeles
california
History & Founding
Located in Southern California, this sprawling county is a global epicenter of entertainment, innovation, and diverse cultures. Established in 1850, it initially encompassed a vast territory stretching to the Nevada border. The name "Los Angeles" itself originates from the Spanish "Los Ángeles," meaning "The Angels," bestowed upon the area by the early explorers in 1769. They were referring to a spring they discovered, which they named "El Rio de los Ángeles" (The River of the Angels). The county played a crucial role in California’s development, transitioning from a largely agricultural region under Spanish and Mexican rule to a booming center of industry and population growth following the Gold Rush and statehood. An interesting historical anecdote involves the brief, unsuccessful attempt to secede from California and form its own republic in 1863, fueled by political disagreements and economic anxieties.
Geography & Landscape
The county’s geography is strikingly varied. Situated on the southern coast of California, it occupies a significant portion of the Los Angeles Basin. The terrain ranges from the flat coastal plains and rolling hills of the San Fernando Valley to the rugged peaks of the San Gabriel Mountains and the Santa Monica Mountains. Major rivers include the Los Angeles River, the San Gabriel River, and the Santa Ana River, although many have been channelized for flood control. While large lakes are absent, reservoirs like Lake Los Angeles and Puddingstone Lake provide recreational opportunities. The climate is Mediterranean, characterized by warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Notable natural features include Santa Monica Bay, the Channel Islands National Park just offshore, and the expansive desert landscapes to the east.
Economy & Communities
This county is a mosaic of communities and economic activities. With 123 incorporated cities and towns, it’s a complex network of urban, suburban, and even some rural areas. Los Angeles, the county seat, is the dominant urban center, but cities like Long Beach, Santa Monica, Pasadena, and Glendale are also significant hubs. The economy is heavily driven by entertainment – film, television, music, and digital media – but also boasts strong sectors in aerospace, tourism, fashion, and international trade. Agriculture, while diminished from its historical importance, still exists in areas like the Santa Clarita Valley, producing citrus fruits, avocados, and flowers. Major employers include The Walt Disney Company, Netflix, SpaceX, and the University of Southern California. The character of the area is predominantly urban and suburban, although pockets of rural charm persist in the foothills and eastern reaches.
Points of Interest
The county offers a wealth of points of interest. Griffith Park, one of the largest urban parks in the world, provides stunning views of the city and the Hollywood sign. The Getty Center, with its impressive art collection and architecture, draws millions of visitors annually. Historic sites like Olvera Street, the birthplace of Los Angeles, offer a glimpse into the region's Spanish heritage. The annual Hollywood Bowl summer concert series and the Rose Parade in Pasadena are iconic events. Notable residents throughout history have included Charlie Chaplin, Marilyn Monroe, and contemporary figures in entertainment, technology, and sports. The county holds the record for the largest metropolitan economy in the Western United States, a testament to its enduring dynamism and global influence.
Information
- State
- california
- Type
- County
- Population
- 9,519,338
- Land area
- 4,060 sq mi
- Capital
- Los Angeles
- Time zone
- UTC-8
- FIPS
- 06037
123 Cities
| City | Population | Elevation |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | 3,694,820 | 330 ft (101 m) |
| Long Beach | 461,522 | 29 ft (9 m) |
| Glendale | 194,973 | - |
| Newhall | 189,172 | 1,272 ft (388 m) |
| Santa Clarita | 151,088 | 1,200 ft (366 m) |
| Pomona | 149,473 | 850 ft (259 m) |
| Torrance | 137,946 | 84 ft (26 m) |
| Pasadena | 133,936 | 865 ft (264 m) |
| East Los Angeles | 124,283 | 261 ft (80 m) |
| Lancaster | 118,718 | 2,355 ft (718 m) |
| Palmdale | 116,670 | 2,659 ft (810 m) |
| El Monte | 115,965 | 283 ft (86 m) |
| Inglewood | 112,580 | 110 ft (34 m) |
| Downey | 107,323 | 119 ft (36 m) |
| West Covina | 105,080 | 381 ft (116 m) |
| Norwalk | 103,298 | 92 ft (28 m) |
| Burbank | 100,316 | 598 ft (182 m) |
| South Gate | 96,375 | 111 ft (34 m) |
| Compton | 93,493 | 66 ft (20 m) |
| Carson | 89,730 | 37 ft (11 m) |
| Alhambra | 85,804 | 500 ft (152 m) |
| Hawthorne | 84,112 | 69 ft (21 m) |
| Santa Monica | 84,084 | 101 ft (31 m) |
| Whittier | 83,680 | 365 ft (111 m) |
| Lakewood | 79,345 | 50 ft (15 m) |
| Baldwin Park | 75,837 | 374 ft (114 m) |
| Bellflower | 72,878 | 71 ft (22 m) |
| Lynwood | 69,845 | 86 ft (26 m) |
| Pico Rivera | 63,428 | 161 ft (49 m) |
| Redondo Beach | 63,261 | 59 ft (18 m) |
| Montebello | 62,150 | 200 ft (61 m) |
| Huntington Park | 61,348 | 170 ft (52 m) |
| Monterey Park | 60,051 | 381 ft (116 m) |
| Gardena | 57,746 | 53 ft (16 m) |
| Diamond Bar | 56,287 | 720 ft (219 m) |
| Paramount | 55,266 | 67 ft (20 m) |
| South Whittier | 55,193 | 170 ft (52 m) |
| Rosemead | 53,505 | 281 ft (86 m) |
| Hacienda Heights | 53,122 | 460 ft (140 m) |
| Arcadia | 53,054 | 485 ft (148 m) |
| Cerritos | 51,488 | 45 ft (14 m) |
| Glendora | 49,415 | 776 ft (237 m) |
| Rowland Heights | 48,553 | 540 ft (165 m) |
| Covina | 46,837 | 546 ft (166 m) |
| La Mirada | 46,783 | 181 ft (55 m) |
| Azusa | 44,712 | 612 ft (187 m) |
| Bell Gardens | 44,054 | 122 ft (37 m) |
| Altadena | 42,610 | 1,342 ft (409 m) |
| Rancho Palos Verdes | 41,145 | 653 ft (199 m) |
| La Puente | 41,063 | 360 ft (110 m) |
| San Gabriel | 39,804 | 400 ft (122 m) |
| Culver City | 38,816 | 94 ft (29 m) |
| Monrovia | 36,929 | 560 ft (171 m) |
| Bell | 36,664 | 135 ft (41 m) |
| West Hollywood | 35,716 | 287 ft (87 m) |
| San Dimas | 34,980 | 952 ft (290 m) |
| Willowbrook | 34,138 | 94 ft (29 m) |
| Claremont | 33,998 | 1,169 ft (356 m) |
| Manhattan Beach | 33,852 | 100 ft (30 m) |
| Beverly Hills | 33,784 | 225 ft (69 m) |
| Temple City | 33,377 | 381 ft (116 m) |
| Lawndale | 31,711 | 55 ft (17 m) |
| La Verne | 31,638 | 1,060 ft (323 m) |
| Westmont | 31,623 | 215 ft (66 m) |
| Walnut | 30,004 | 569 ft (173 m) |
| Maywood | 28,083 | 155 ft (47 m) |
| South Pasadena | 24,292 | 660 ft (201 m) |
| Cudahy | 24,208 | 121 ft (37 m) |
| San Fernando | 23,564 | 1,061 ft (323 m) |
| Lennox | 22,950 | 71 ft (22 m) |
| West Puente Valley | 22,589 | 318 ft (97 m) |
| Valinda | 21,776 | 350 ft (107 m) |
| Duarte | 21,486 | 510 ft (155 m) |
| South El Monte | 21,144 | 250 ft (76 m) |
| West Carson | 21,138 | 40 ft (12 m) |
| Agoura Hills | 20,537 | 1,000 ft (305 m) |
| La Canada Flintridge | 20,318 | 1,193 ft (364 m) |
| South San Jose Hills | 20,218 | 415 ft (126 m) |
| Lomita | 20,046 | - |
| Calabasas | 20,033 | 928 ft (283 m) |
| Hermosa Beach | 18,566 | 15 ft (5 m) |
| Santa Fe Springs | 17,438 | 145 ft (44 m) |
| Artesia | 16,380 | 51 ft (16 m) |
| Walnut Park | 16,180 | 145 ft (44 m) |
| El Segundo | 16,033 | 100 ft (30 m) |
| Avocado Heights | 15,148 | 335 ft (102 m) |
| Vincent | 15,097 | - |
| Hawaiian Gardens | 14,779 | 29 ft (9 m) |
| Palos Verdes Estates | 13,340 | 217 ft (66 m) |
| San Marino | 12,945 | 566 ft (173 m) |
| Malibu | 12,575 | 112 ft (34 m) |
| Commerce | 12,568 | 146 ft (45 m) |
| Lake Los Angeles | 11,523 | 2,655 ft (809 m) |
| Citrus | 10,581 | 585 ft (178 m) |
| Sierra Madre | 10,578 | 800 ft (244 m) |
| Quartz Hill | 9,890 | 2,450 ft (747 m) |
| East La Mirada | 9,538 | 222 ft (68 m) |
| Signal Hill | 9,333 | 150 ft (46 m) |
| East Compton | 9,286 | 68 ft (21 m) |
| West Athens | 9,101 | 187 ft (57 m) |
| Charter Oak | 9,027 | 740 ft (226 m) |
| Del Aire | 9,012 | 88 ft (27 m) |
| Alondra Park | 8,622 | 50 ft (15 m) |
| Westlake Village | 8,368 | 900 ft (274 m) |
| Marina del Rey | 8,176 | 10 ft (3 m) |
| Rolling Hills Estates | 7,676 | 500 ft (152 m) |
| South San Gabriel | 7,595 | 272 ft (83 m) |
| Ladera Heights | 6,568 | 300 ft (91 m) |
| East Pasadena | 6,045 | 700 ft (213 m) |
| La Habra Heights | 5,712 | 700 ft (213 m) |
| West Compton | 5,435 | 80 ft (24 m) |
| Mayflower Village | 5,081 | 366 ft (112 m) |
| North El Monte | 3,703 | 331 ft (101 m) |
| Avalon | 3,127 | 30 ft (9 m) |
| Acton | 2,390 | 2,720 ft (829 m) |
| Desert View Highlands | 2,337 | 2,700 ft (823 m) |
| Hidden Hills | 1,875 | 1,100 ft (335 m) |
| Rolling Hills | 1,871 | - |
| Val Verde | 1,472 | 1,200 ft (366 m) |
| Irwindale | 1,446 | 467 ft (142 m) |
| Littlerock | 1,402 | 2,830 ft (863 m) |
| Bradbury | 855 | 600 ft (183 m) |
| Industry | 777 | 329 ft (100 m) |