Southern California County Map

View the below Southern California map showing counties, Southern California comprises six major counties: Los Angeles, San Diego, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Ventura, collectively spanning approximately 56,512 square miles with a population exceeding 22 million. Los Angeles County, home to over 10 million residents, leads in entertainment and technology, while San Diego County, with 3.3 million people, thrives in biotechnology and tourism. Orange County, known for its suburban hubs and iconic Disneyland, hosts 3.2 million residents. Riverside and San Bernardino, among the largest by area, feature rapid suburban growth and landmarks like Joshua Tree National Park. Ventura County, with its scenic coastline and agriculture, completes the diverse landscape of this economically and culturally significant region.

Southern California County Map

About Southern California County Map

Explore the map of Southern California showing counties, Southern California, a region encompassing the southern portion of the state of California, is home to over 24 million residents across an area of approximately 56,500 square miles. It includes major metropolitan areas such as Los Angeles, San Diego, and Anaheim, as well as significant geographic features like the Mojave Desert, San Gabriel Mountains, and Pacific coastline. The region is an economic hub, contributing to industries such as entertainment, technology, tourism, and agriculture. Southern California boasts globally recognized attractions, including Hollywood, Disneyland, and the San Diego Zoo, alongside educational institutions like the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and University of Southern California (USC). With its diverse climate ranging from coastal Mediterranean to arid desert, Southern California serves as a pivotal cultural and economic area in the United States.

County State County Seat Area (sq mi) Population (2020 Census) Major Cities Key Features
Los Angeles California Los Angeles 4,753 10,014,009 Los Angeles, Long Beach, Glendale Hollywood, LAX Airport, Getty Center
San Diego California San Diego 4,526 3,298,634 San Diego, Chula Vista, Escondido San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, Military Bases
Orange California Santa Ana 948 3,186,989 Anaheim, Irvine, Huntington Beach Disneyland, Laguna Beach, Orange Coast
Riverside California Riverside 7,303 2,418,185 Riverside, Moreno Valley, Palm Springs Coachella Valley, Joshua Tree National Park
San Bernardino California San Bernardino 20,105 2,181,654 San Bernardino, Fontana, Rancho Cucamonga Mojave Desert, Big Bear Lake, Logistics Hub
Ventura California Ventura 2,208 843,843 Oxnard, Ventura, Thousand Oaks Channel Islands National Park, Agriculture


Southern California Counties

Southern California is a dynamic region encompassing six major counties: Los Angeles, San Diego, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Ventura. This area, which spans approximately 56,500 square miles, is home to over 22 million residents, making it one of the most populous and economically significant regions in the United States. Each county contributes to the region’s diverse landscape, industries, and cultural offerings.

Los Angeles County

Los Angeles County is the most populous county in the nation, with over 10 million residents. It is the heart of the entertainment industry, housing Hollywood and major studios like Warner Bros. and Universal Pictures. The county spans 4,753 square miles and features a varied landscape including beaches, mountains, and urban centers. Key attractions include the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Griffith Observatory, and Santa Monica Pier. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is one of the busiest airports in the world, serving millions of passengers annually.

San Diego County

San Diego County lies along the U.S.-Mexico border and covers an area of 4,526 square miles. With a population of approximately 3.3 million, it is known for its biotechnology sector, military presence, and tourism. The city of San Diego is the county seat and features landmarks like Balboa Park, the San Diego Zoo, and the USS Midway Museum. The county also boasts a 70-mile coastline and a mild Mediterranean climate, making it a hub for outdoor activities and water sports.

Orange County

Orange County, with a population of around 3.2 million, is known for its suburban communities and economic hubs. Spanning 948 square miles, it features attractions like Disneyland Resort, Knott’s Berry Farm, and the beautiful Laguna Beach. The county is also a center for technology, healthcare, and higher education, with institutions such as the University of California, Irvine (UCI).

Riverside County

Riverside County is one of the largest counties in the region, covering 7,303 square miles. Its population exceeds 2.4 million and is growing rapidly due to suburban expansion. Riverside is known for the Coachella Valley, home to the annual Coachella Music Festival, and the Joshua Tree National Park. The county also has a significant agricultural industry, producing citrus fruits, dates, and avocados.

San Bernardino County

San Bernardino County, the largest county in the contiguous United States, spans over 20,105 square miles. Despite its vast size, the population is approximately 2.2 million. The county includes urban areas, high deserts, and mountain ranges. Popular destinations include Big Bear Lake, San Bernardino National Forest, and Mojave National Preserve. Logistics and warehousing are major economic drivers in this region.

Ventura County

Ventura County is located along the Pacific coast and covers 2,208 square miles with a population of nearly 850,000. It is known for its agricultural output, particularly strawberries, avocados, and lemons. Ventura is home to the Channel Islands National Park and several picturesque beach towns, such as Oxnard and Ventura. The county also has a strong aerospace and defense sector.

Economic and Cultural Significance

Southern California is an economic powerhouse, with industries ranging from entertainment and technology to agriculture and tourism. The region’s gross domestic product (GDP) exceeds $1.3 trillion, comparable to the economy of many countries. Cultural diversity is a hallmark of Southern California, with a rich blend of languages, cuisines, and traditions. Major festivals, sporting events, and art exhibitions draw millions of visitors annually.

Geography and Climate

The geography of Southern California ranges from sandy beaches along the Pacific Ocean to arid deserts and towering mountain ranges. The climate varies across the region, with coastal areas experiencing a mild Mediterranean climate, while inland areas face hot summers and cooler winters. This diversity in climate and geography supports a wide variety of outdoor activities, from surfing and hiking to skiing and camping.

Transportation and Infrastructure

Southern California is served by a robust transportation network, including multiple international airports like LAX and San Diego International Airport. The region also features extensive freeway systems, commuter rail services like Metrolink, and major ports in Los Angeles and Long Beach, which are among the busiest in the world.