In this article, we list and discuss the 5 Most Densely Populated Cities in California. If you would like to see our detailed discussion of the topic, you can go to the 15 Most Densely Populated Cities in California.
5. South Gate, California
Population per square mile: 11,917.30
Ranked 5th, South Gate, California, is a lively city with a population of 90,926 people and a land area of 7.24 square miles. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city’s employment rate is 65.2%, the unemployment rate is 34.8%, the poverty rate is 13.7%, and the median household income is $67,188. Moreover, as per the U.S. Census Bureau survey, the population of the city dropped by 1.9% between 2020 and 2022.
4. Berkeley, California
Population per square mile: 12,812.80
Berkeley, California, ranks 4th in population density with an overall population of 118,950 people, and a land area of 10.43 square miles. Berkeley is a hub of academic and cultural vibrancy, home to the prestigious University of California, Berkeley. Despite a population decrease of 4.3% since 2020, Berkeley’s streets and public spaces buzz with the energy of students, locals, and visitors alike. According to the Neilsberg Research titled Berkeley, CA population by year, the city experienced a significant population drop of 7.56% in 2021, followed by a rebound increase of 3.61% in the second year.
3. Daly City, California
Population per square mile: 13,734.10
In Daly City, California, the community is closely-knit, with a land area of 7.64 square miles and an overall population of about 100,007 people. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 60.2% of homes in the city are owner-occupied, and the median home value stands at $1,073,100. Education attainment is fair too, with 87.8% having at least a high school diploma and 38.5% holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. Despite a population decrease of 4.7% since 2020, the city still has a population density of a little over 13,700 residents, ranking the city third on the list. The city also maintains a robust workforce with 67.5% of the population engaged in the labor force.
2. Hawthorne, California
Population per square mile: 14,470.70
Hawthorne, California, with a population density of over 14,470 people per square mile, is the second most densely populated city in California state. Despite a 4.0% population decrease since 2020, Hawthorne’s commitment to growth and sustainability is evident. The city faces environmental challenges due to high car ownership, but it’s also at the forefront of adopting eco-friendly practices such as Storm Water Pollution Prevention initiatives. This blend of population density, transportation, and environmental awareness makes Hawthorne a unique example of urban life adapting to contemporary needs.
1. San Francisco, California
Population per square mile: 18,629.10
San Francisco, California, with its iconic Golden Gate Bridge and bustling city life, stands as the most densely populated city in California. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, San Francisco has a population density of over 18,600 people per square mile. Despite experiencing a population decrease of 7.5% since 2020, the city remains a vibrant hub of cultural diversity with 34.8% Asian, 15.5% Hispanic or Latino, and 5.2% Black or African American resident communities contributing to its dynamic social fabric.
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