View the below Northern California map showing counties, Northern California encompasses a diverse range of counties, including San Francisco, Sacramento, Marin, Humboldt, and Shasta. This region is home to approximately 15 million people, accounting for nearly 40% of California's population. Known for its economic and cultural significance, Northern California hosts Silicon Valley, the world’s leading tech hub. The region also features stunning natural landscapes, such as the Redwood National and State Parks and Lake Tahoe, attracting millions of tourists annually. Agriculture plays a vital role, with the Sacramento Valley producing over $5 billion in crops like rice and almonds. Covering 48 counties, Northern California contributes significantly to the state’s GDP of $4 trillion, making it a pivotal part of the United States’ economy.
Explore the map of Northern California showing counties, Northern California, a diverse and economically significant region, spans 48 counties and is home to over 15 million people, accounting for nearly 40% of California’s population. The region includes major urban centers like San Francisco and Sacramento, alongside world-renowned Silicon Valley, a hub for technological innovation. Natural landmarks such as Redwood National and State Parks and Lake Tahoe attract millions of visitors annually. The Sacramento Valley leads in agriculture, contributing over $5 billion in crops like almonds and rice. With a pivotal role in California’s $4 trillion GDP, Northern California remains vital to the state and national economy.
| County Name | Population (2023) | County Seat | Area (sq mi) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alameda | 1,682,353 | Oakland | 821 | UC Berkeley, Port of Oakland |
| Alpine | 1,204 | Markleeville | 743 | Sierra Nevada, Scenic Landscapes |
| Amador | 40,474 | Jackson | 605 | Gold Country, Wineries |
| Butte | 210,291 | Oroville | 1,677 | Chico State University, Feather River |
| Calaveras | 45,906 | San Andreas | 1,020 | Calaveras Big Trees State Park |
| Colusa | 21,539 | Colusa | 1,156 | Agriculture, Wildlife Refuges |
| Contra Costa | 1,153,526 | Martinez | 804 | Mount Diablo, Suburban Communities |
| Del Norte | 28,100 | Crescent City | 1,230 | Redwood National and State Parks |
| El Dorado | 193,000 | Placerville | 1,786 | Lake Tahoe, Gold Rush History |
| Fresno | 1,018,241 | Fresno | 5,958 | Yosemite Gateway, Agriculture |
| Glenn | 28,917 | Willows | 1,315 | Farming, Outdoor Recreation |
| Humboldt | 135,768 | Eureka | 4,052 | Redwood Forests, Coastline |
| Lake | 64,386 | Lakeport | 1,329 | Clear Lake, Wine Production |
| Lassen | 30,095 | Susanville | 4,557 | Lassen Volcanic National Park |
| Marin | 260,206 | San Rafael | 828 | Muir Woods, Point Reyes |
| Mendocino | 91,601 | Ukiah | 3,878 | Anderson Valley, Coastal Redwoods |
| Merced | 284,836 | Merced | 1,979 | Agriculture, UC Merced |
| Modoc | 8,700 | Alturas | 4,203 | Warner Mountains, Wildlife Refuge |
| Napa | 139,623 | Napa | 789 | Wine Country, Culinary Tourism |
| Nevada | 104,218 | Nevada City | 974 | Gold Mining History, Sierra Nevada |
| Placer | 420,857 | Auburn | 1,502 | Lake Tahoe, Outdoor Recreation |
| Plumas | 18,964 | Quincy | 2,613 | Feather River, Lakes Basin |
| San Benito | 63,735 | Hollister | 1,391 | Pinnacles National Park |
| San Francisco | 815,201 | San Francisco | 47 | Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz |
| San Joaquin | 791,219 | Stockton | 1,426 | Delta Region, Agriculture |
| San Mateo | 778,409 | Redwood City | 448 | Tech Industry, Coastal Views |
| Santa Clara | 2,000,000 | San Jose | 1,291 | Silicon Valley, Tech Hub |
| Santa Cruz | 273,762 | Santa Cruz | 445 | Beaches, Redwoods |
| Shasta | 182,187 | Redding | 3,847 | Shasta Lake, Lassen Volcanic |
| Sierra | 3,236 | Downieville | 953 | Mountain Ranges, Rivers |
| Siskiyou | 43,024 | Yreka | 6,347 | Mount Shasta, Outdoor Activities |
| Solano | 453,491 | Fairfield | 906 | Wine Country, Travis AFB |
| Sonoma | 487,011 | Santa Rosa | 1,576 | Wine Country, Coastal Parks |
| Stanislaus | 561,297 | Modesto | 1,515 | Agriculture, Riverbanks |
| Sutter | 105,530 | Yuba City | 608 | Farming, Sutter Buttes |
| Tehama | 65,084 | Red Bluff | 2,962 | Agriculture, River Access |
| Trinity | 16,112 | Weaverville | 3,208 | Trinity Alps, Scenic Lakes |
| Tulare | 479,112 | Visalia | 4,839 | Sequoia National Park |
| Tuolumne | 53,708 | Sonora | 2,274 | Yosemite Gateway, Gold Country |
| Yolo | 220,500 | Woodland | 1,021 | UC Davis, Agricultural Research |
| Yuba | 80,884 | Marysville | 644 | Feather River, Farming |
Northern California comprises 48 counties, each contributing to the region’s rich diversity, economic strength, and cultural significance. This area spans from the Pacific Coast to the Sierra Nevada and includes urban centers, rural farmland, and vast wilderness areas. With a population exceeding 15 million people, Northern California accounts for nearly 40% of the state’s population.
San Francisco County, home to the iconic city of San Francisco, is a cultural and economic hub. Known for landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, the county plays a pivotal role in technology, tourism, and finance. With a population of approximately 815,000, it has one of the highest population densities in the state.
Sacramento County is the political heart of California, hosting the state capital, Sacramento. It has a population of about 1.6 million people. The county thrives on government operations, education, and agriculture, with a significant portion of the state’s almond and rice production originating here.
Marin County, located north of San Francisco, is renowned for its affluent communities and natural beauty, including the Muir Woods National Monument and Point Reyes National Seashore. With a population of around 260,000, it offers a blend of suburban living and environmental preservation.
These parks, spanning Humboldt and Del Norte counties, are home to the world’s tallest trees, the coast redwoods. This UNESCO World Heritage Site attracts over 500,000 visitors annually.
Lake Tahoe, straddling the California-Nevada border, is a major destination for outdoor recreation. Located in El Dorado and Placer counties, the lake spans 191 square miles and offers activities such as skiing, hiking, and water sports.
The Sacramento Valley is a cornerstone of Northern California’s agriculture, producing crops worth over $5 billion annually. Key products include rice, almonds, and walnuts. This region supports thousands of jobs in farming and food processing.
Located primarily in Santa Clara County, Silicon Valley is the world’s leading technology hub. It is home to major companies like Apple, Google, and Facebook, contributing significantly to California’s $4 trillion GDP.
Northern California’s extensive transportation network includes major highways like Interstate 80 and U.S. Route 101. The region is served by international airports, including San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Sacramento International Airport (SMF), facilitating both domestic and global connections.
Despite its natural beauty, Northern California faces significant environmental challenges, including drought, wildfires, and habitat loss. Recent wildfires in counties like Shasta and Butte have highlighted the need for sustainable land management and fire prevention strategies.
Northern California has a rich cultural history, from the Gold Rush era to the counterculture movement of the 1960s. Landmarks like Alcatraz Island and the California State Capitol reflect the region’s historical importance.
