Smallest Cities in California

Top 100 cities ranked by smallest cities

Largest Cities Smallest Cities Most Dense Least Dense Highest Income Lowest Income Lowest Unemployment Highest Unemployment Lowest Poverty Highest Poverty Highest Home Value Most Affordable Highest Rent Lowest Rent Most Educated Youngest Cities Oldest Cities Safest Cities Highest Crime Warmest Cities Coldest Cities Rainiest Cities Driest Cities

All Countries · United States · California

Smallest Cities — California

1 Sunnyside 5,003

2 Lake of the Pines 5,012

3 Myrtletown 5,028

4 Big Bear Lake 5,038

5 Running Springs 5,043

6 Jackson 5,061

7 Denair 5,085

8 Lakeport 5,085

9 Buellton 5,090

10 Yosemite Lakes 5,095

11 El Cerrito 5,121

12 Calistoga 5,159

13 Mayfair 5,173

14 Woodside 5,181

15 El Granada 5,231

16 Kensington 5,292

17 Mayflower Village 5,303

18 Ione 5,306

19 Keyes 5,330

20 Boulder Creek 5,353

21 St. Helena 5,378

22 Old Fig Garden 5,387

23 Palermo 5,440

24 Strawberry CDP (Marin County) 5,496

25 La Habra Heights 5,546

26 Burbank 5,552

27 McSwain 5,556

28 Williams 5,569

29 East Pasadena 5,592

30 Holtville 5,606

31 Rancho Murieta 5,606

32 West Modesto 5,633

33 Fruitridge Pocket 5,675

34 Benton Park 5,682

35 Saranap 5,693

36 Dos Palos 5,757

37 Villa Park 5,776

38 Bear Valley Springs 5,787

39 Silver Lakes 5,789

40 Pleasure Point 5,813

41 Lemoore Station 5,847

42 Bonadelle Ranchos 5,879

43 Hidden Valley Lake 5,896

44 Lucerne Valley 5,946

45 Eucalyptus Hills 5,976

46 Oak View 5,984

47 Las Flores CDP (Orange County) 6,007

48 Solvang 6,034

49 Cambria 6,038

50 Happy Valley 6,046

51 Pollock Pines 6,056

52 Homeland 6,060

53 Durham 6,111

54 Gustine 6,118

55 Aptos 6,124

56 Crescent City 6,180

57 Wilton 6,198

58 Willows 6,239

59 Salton City 6,244

60 Hilmar-Irwin 6,317

61 Lucas Valley-Marinwood 6,331

62 El Rio 6,343

63 Camino Tassajara 6,395

64 Huron 6,425

65 Colusa 6,439

66 Desert Palms 6,522

67 Calipatria 6,549

68 Jamul 6,617

69 Rancho Calaveras 6,619

70 Thermalito 6,645

71 Nuevo 6,737

72 Lake Mathews 6,749

73 Joshua Tree 6,767

74 Vandenberg Village 6,793

75 Loomis 6,809

76 Ben Lomond 6,849

77 Castroville 6,870

78 Fowler 6,930

79 Garnet 6,979

80 Fort Bragg 7,001

81 Atherton 7,021

82 Boyes Hot Springs 7,031

83 Alta Sierra CDP (Nevada County) 7,061

84 Mecca 7,071

85 South Monrovia Island 7,072

86 Oceano 7,098

87 Contra Costa Centre 7,127

88 Kentfield 7,128

89 Piñon Hills 7,149

90 Highgrove 7,164

91 Cottonwood CDP (Shasta County) 7,170

92 Sausalito 7,171

93 San Martin 7,199

94 Taft 7,228

95 Mammoth Lakes 7,233

96 Ladera Heights 7,249

97 Mira Monte 7,301

98 Cherry Valley 7,302

99 Heber 7,308

100 Oroville East 7,369

The smallest cities in California (with populations above 5,000) offer a different quality of life compared to major metropolitan areas. Sunnyside has a population of just 5,003. These communities often feature lower costs of living, stronger neighborhood connections, and less congestion.

Small cities can offer significant advantages for residents seeking affordable housing, shorter commutes, and a close-knit community feel. Many serve as regional centers for surrounding rural areas, providing essential services while maintaining a small-town atmosphere.

Despite their smaller size, many of these cities have thriving local economies, good school systems, and access to outdoor recreation. They represent an alternative to the fast-paced lifestyle of major metropolitan areas.

Did You Know?

1. At 5,003 residents, Sunnyside is smaller than a single large apartment complex in New York City.
2. Small cities (5,000-10,000) make up the majority of incorporated places in the United States.
3. Many of the smallest cities serve as county seats or regional service centers for surrounding rural communities.

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