What Is The Biggest County In California?
With its vast expanse and diversity of landscapes, California is home to some extremely large counties. If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: The biggest county in California by land area is San Bernardino County, covering over 20,000 square miles.
In this comprehensive guide, we will look at the 10 largest counties in California by size and population. We’ll examine their key geographic features, major cities, and roles in the state’s culture and economy. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of why San Bernardino County stands out as the largest and how other massive counties shape California.
The Top 10 Largest Counties in California by Land Area
1. San Bernardino County
San Bernardino County is the largest county in California by land area. Covering over 20,000 square miles, it is larger than nine U.S. states. Located in Southern California, San Bernardino County offers a diverse range of landscapes, including mountains, deserts, and forests.
The county is home to popular attractions such as Joshua Tree National Park and the San Bernardino National Forest.
2. Inyo County
Inyo County is the second-largest county in California by land area. It spans over 10,000 square miles and is known for its stunning natural beauty. The county is home to the highest peak in the contiguous United States, Mount Whitney, as well as the famous Death Valley National Park.
Inyo County’s vast wilderness areas attract outdoor enthusiasts from around the world.
3. Kern County
Kern County ranks third in terms of land area in California. With an area of approximately 8,000 square miles, it is larger than several states in the country. Located in the southern part of the Central Valley, Kern County is known for its agricultural production, oil fields, and stunning landscapes.
The county is also home to the impressive Sequoia National Forest.
4. San Diego County
San Diego County is the fourth-largest county in California by land area. Spanning over 4,500 square miles, it offers a diverse range of environments, including coastal areas, mountains, and desert landscapes.
San Diego County is famous for its beautiful beaches, vibrant cities, and world-class attractions such as the San Diego Zoo and Balboa Park.
5. Los Angeles County
Los Angeles County, although smaller in land area compared to the previous counties, is the most populous county in California. It covers approximately 4,000 square miles and is home to the city of Los Angeles, known for its entertainment industry, cultural landmarks, and beautiful beaches.
Los Angeles County offers a wide range of activities and attractions for visitors and residents alike.
6. Riverside County
Riverside County ranks sixth in terms of land area in California. With an area of over 7,000 square miles, it is one of the largest counties in the state. Located in Southern California, Riverside County is known for its hot desert climate, beautiful natural landscapes, and the Coachella Valley, which hosts the famous Coachella Music Festival.
7. Imperial County
Imperial County is the seventh-largest county in California by land area. Covering over 4,000 square miles, it is located in the southeastern part of the state, bordering Mexico. Imperial County is known for its vast agricultural fields, desert landscapes, and unique attractions such as the Salton Sea, a large saltwater lake that draws visitors for its recreational activities.
8. Siskiyou County
Siskiyou County is the eighth-largest county in California by land area. With an area of over 6,000 square miles, it is known for its rugged mountain ranges, including the stunning Mount Shasta. Siskiyou County offers outdoor enthusiasts opportunities for hiking, fishing, and skiing, making it a popular destination for nature lovers.
9. Modoc County
Modoc County ranks ninth in terms of land area in California. Covering over 4,000 square miles, it is located in the northeastern part of the state. Modoc County is known for its vast wilderness areas, including the Modoc National Forest, which offers opportunities for camping, hiking, and wildlife viewing.
10. Lassen County
Lassen County is the tenth-largest county in California by land area. With an area of over 4,500 square miles, it is located in the northeastern part of the state. Lassen County is known for its volcanic landscapes, including Lassen Volcanic National Park, which features hot springs, geysers, and volcanic peaks.
These top 10 largest counties in California by land area offer a wide range of natural beauty, attractions, and recreational opportunities. Whether you’re interested in exploring rugged mountains, visiting stunning national parks, or enjoying coastal landscapes, California’s largest counties have something for everyone.
The Top 10 Largest Counties in California by Population
1. Los Angeles County
Los Angeles County is the largest county in California by population, boasting over 10 million residents. It is not only the most populous county in California but also the most populous county in the entire United States.
With its diverse population and vibrant cities like Los Angeles and Long Beach, Los Angeles County is a hub of culture, entertainment, and economic activity.
2. San Diego County
San Diego County is the second-largest county in California, with a population of around 3.3 million people. Known for its beautiful beaches, mild climate, and thriving tourism industry, San Diego County is a popular destination for both residents and visitors.
The city of San Diego, located within the county, is the second-largest city in California.
3. Orange County
Orange County, located in Southern California, is the third-largest county in the state. It has a population of approximately 3.2 million residents. Orange County is known for its affluent communities, picturesque coastline, and iconic attractions like Disneyland.
The county’s economy is driven by industries such as technology, healthcare, and tourism.
4. Riverside County
Riverside County is the fourth-largest county in California, with a population of over 2.4 million people. Located in the Inland Empire region, Riverside County offers a mix of suburban and rural areas.
The county is known for its desert landscapes, outdoor recreational opportunities, and growing housing market.
5. San Bernardino County
San Bernardino County is the fifth-largest county in California, with a population of approximately 2.1 million residents. It is situated in the Inland Empire region and encompasses a diverse range of communities, from bustling cities to rural towns.
The county is known for its natural beauty, including the stunning San Bernardino Mountains.
6. Santa Clara County
Santa Clara County, located in the heart of Silicon Valley, is the sixth-largest county in California. With a population of around 1.9 million people, Santa Clara County is a major center for technology and innovation.
It is home to renowned companies such as Apple, Google, and Facebook, contributing to its thriving economy.
7. Alameda County
Alameda County is the seventh-largest county in California, with a population of over 1.6 million residents. Located in the San Francisco Bay Area, Alameda County is known for its diverse communities, vibrant arts scene, and world-class universities like UC Berkeley.
The county also boasts beautiful parks and waterfront areas.
8. Sacramento County
Sacramento County, the capital county of California, is the eighth-largest county in the state. It has a population of approximately 1.5 million residents. Sacramento County offers a mix of urban and suburban areas and is known for its historical landmarks, government institutions, and outdoor recreational opportunities along the Sacramento River.
9. Contra Costa County
Contra Costa County is the ninth-largest county in California, with a population of around 1.1 million people. Located in the San Francisco Bay Area, Contra Costa County is known for its diverse communities, thriving economy, and access to outdoor activities like hiking and biking.
The county is also home to the famous Mount Diablo.
10. Fresno County
Fresno County rounds out the top 10 largest counties in California, with a population of over 1 million residents. Located in the Central Valley, Fresno County is known for its agricultural industry, producing a variety of crops.
The county is also home to Fresno, the fifth-largest city in California.
Key Features and Roles of California’s Largest Counties
Geography
When it comes to the biggest county in California, San Bernardino County takes the crown. Spanning over 20,000 square miles, it is larger than some states in America. Located in Southern California, it encompasses a diverse range of geographical features, including the Mojave Desert, the San Bernardino Mountains, and parts of the San Bernardino Valley.
The county’s vast size and varied terrain make it an ideal location for outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities for hiking, camping, and exploring its natural beauty.
Major Cities
San Bernardino County is home to several major cities that contribute to its significance in California. Among them, San Bernardino, the county seat, serves as a regional economic hub. Other notable cities include Ontario, known for its thriving logistics industry, and Fontana, famous for its auto racing events.
These cities, along with many others in the county, provide a range of services and amenities to residents and visitors.
Economic Influence
The size and economic influence of San Bernardino County cannot be overstated. With a growing population and a diverse economy, the county plays a crucial role in California’s overall economic landscape.
Its strategic location near major transportation routes, including highways and rail lines, makes it an attractive destination for businesses. The county’s economy is bolstered by various sectors, including logistics, manufacturing, healthcare, and tourism.
The region’s strong economic performance contributes to the overall prosperity of the state.
Cultural Impact
San Bernardino County’s cultural impact extends beyond its geographical and economic significance. The county is known for its rich history, with numerous museums, historical sites, and landmarks that showcase its cultural heritage.
Additionally, the county hosts various cultural events and festivals throughout the year, celebrating the diversity of its residents and promoting community engagement. From art exhibits to music festivals, there is always something happening in San Bernardino County that appeals to people of all backgrounds and interests.
Conclusion
In conclusion, with over 20,000 square miles of desert, mountains, and valleys, San Bernardino County is definitively the largest county in California by sheer land area. Meanwhile, Los Angeles County takes the lead by total population. Understanding the vast scale and importance of these and other massive SoCal counties provides insight into what makes the state so vast and diverse.
