Smallest Cities in California

Top 100 cities ranked by smallest cities

Smallest Cities - California

1 Sunnyside 5,003
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 Calistoga 5,159
12 Mayfair 5,173
13 Woodside 5,181
14 El Granada 5,231
15 Kensington 5,292
17 Ione 5,306
18 Keyes 5,330
19 Boulder Creek 5,353
20 St. Helena 5,378
21 Old Fig Garden 5,387
22 Palermo 5,440
24 La Habra Heights 5,546
25 McSwain 5,556
26 Williams 5,569
27 East Pasadena 5,592
28 Holtville 5,606
29 Rancho Murieta 5,606
30 West Modesto 5,633
32 Benton Park 5,682
33 Saranap 5,693
34 Dos Palos 5,757
35 Villa Park 5,776
37 Silver Lakes 5,789
38 Pleasure Point 5,813
39 Lemoore Station 5,847
42 Lucerne Valley 5,946
43 Eucalyptus Hills 5,976
44 Oak View 5,984
46 Solvang 6,034
47 Cambria 6,038
48 Happy Valley 6,046
49 Pollock Pines 6,056
50 Homeland 6,060
51 Durham 6,111
52 Gustine 6,118
53 Aptos 6,124
54 Crescent City 6,180
55 Wilton 6,198
56 Willows 6,239
57 Salton City 6,244
58 Hilmar-Irwin 6,317
60 El Rio 6,343
61 Camino Tassajara 6,395
62 Huron 6,425
63 Colusa 6,439
64 Desert Palms 6,522
65 Calipatria 6,549
66 Jamul 6,617
67 Rancho Calaveras 6,619
68 Thermalito 6,645
69 Nuevo 6,737
70 Lake Mathews 6,749
71 Joshua Tree 6,767
72 Paradise 6,793
74 Loomis 6,809
75 Ben Lomond 6,849
76 Castroville 6,870
77 Fowler 6,930
78 Garnet 6,979
79 Fort Bragg 7,001
80 Atherton 7,021
83 Mecca 7,071
85 Oceano 7,098
87 Kentfield 7,128
88 Piñon Hills 7,149
89 Highgrove 7,164
91 Sausalito 7,171
92 San Martin 7,199
93 Taft 7,228
94 Mammoth Lakes 7,233
95 Ladera Heights 7,249
96 Mira Monte 7,301
97 Cherry Valley 7,302
98 Heber 7,308
99 Oroville East 7,369
100 Gridley 7,372

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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