Los Angeles County is one of the most diverse and populous regions in the United States. Covering over 4,000 square miles, it is home to more than 10 million residents living across a vast landscape of urban centers, coastal towns, and mountain communities. Understanding the layout of this massive county starts with identifying its 88 incorporated cities.
Whether you are planning a move, conducting research, or simply exploring the area, knowing which municipalities make up the county is essential. This guide provides a comprehensive list of every city within Los Angeles County, along with helpful information on how these areas are organized and how to find local services.
Understanding Incorporated Cities vs. Unincorporated Areas
Before diving into the full list, it is important to understand how Los Angeles County is governed. The county consists of two primary types of areas: incorporated cities and unincorporated communities.
Incorporated cities are municipalities that have their own local government, including a city council and often their own police or fire departments. These cities collect local taxes and provide specific services tailored to their residents.
Unincorporated areas are regions that do not have their own city government. Instead, these areas are managed directly by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. Services in these areas, such as law enforcement and public works, are provided by county departments like the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
The Complete List of 88 Cities in Los Angeles County
Below is an alphabetical list of the 88 incorporated cities located within the borders of Los Angeles County. This list serves as a quick reference for anyone looking to identify a specific municipality.
- Agoura Hills
- Alhambra
- Arcadia
- Artesia
- Avalon
- Azusa
- Baldwin Park
- Bell
- Bell Gardens
- Bellflower
- Beverly Hills
- Bradbury
- Burbank
- Calabasas
- Carson
- Cerritos
- Claremont
- Commerce
- Compton
- Covina
- Cudahy
- Culver City
- Diamond Bar
- Downey
- Duarte
- El Monte
- El Segundo
- Gardena
- Glendale
- Glendora
- Hawaiian Gardens
- Hawthorne
- Hermosa Beach
- Hidden Hills
- Huntington Park
- Industry
- Inglewood
- Irwindale
- La Cañada Flintridge
- La Habra Heights
- La Mirada
- La Puente
- La Verne
- Lakewood
- Lancaster
- Lawndale
- Lomita
- Long Beach
- Los Angeles
- Lynwood
- Malibu
- Manhattan Beach
- Maywood
- Monrovia
- Montebello
- Monterey Park
- Norwalk
- Palmdale
- Palos Verdes Estates
- Paramount
- Pasadena
- Pico Rivera
- Pomona
- Rancho Palos Verdes
- Redondo Beach
- Rolling Hills
- Rolling Hills Estates
- Rosemead
- San Dimas
- San Fernando
- San Gabriel
- San Marino
- Santa Clarita
- Santa Fe Springs
- Santa Monica
- Sierra Madre
- Signal Hill
- South El Monte
- South Gate
- South Pasadena
- Temple City
- Torrance
- Vernon
- Walnut
- West Covina
- West Hollywood
- Westlake Village
- Whittier
Major Municipalities and Regional Hubs
While every city in the county has its own unique character, several serve as major economic and cultural hubs. Understanding these key areas can help you navigate the county more effectively.
The City of Los Angeles
The City of Los Angeles is the largest municipality in the county and the second-largest in the nation. It is divided into many famous neighborhoods, such as Hollywood, Venice, and Downtown LA, but these are all part of the single city government of Los Angeles.
Long Beach
Located in the southern part of the county, Long Beach is a major maritime center. It is home to one of the world’s busiest container ports and offers a distinct coastal atmosphere separate from the City of Los Angeles.
Santa Clarita and the Antelope Valley
To the north, Santa Clarita is one of the fastest-growing cities in the region. Further north across the mountains lie Palmdale and Lancaster, which serve as the primary hubs for the Antelope Valley and the local aerospace industry.
The San Gabriel Valley
This region east of Los Angeles includes cities like Pasadena, known for the Rose Bowl, and Alhambra. It is characterized by historic architecture and a rich cultural heritage.
How to Find City Services and Contact Information
If you live in or are visiting one of these cities, you may need to contact local officials for services such as trash collection, building permits, or business licenses. Most cities maintain their own official websites, usually ending in “.gov” or “.org”.
To find specific information for a city, you can follow these steps:
- Visit the official Los Angeles County website to use their “City Locator” tool if you are unsure if an address is within a specific city.
- Search for the city name followed by “official website” to find local departments.
- Contact the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk for property records or marriage licenses, as these are often handled at the county level regardless of the city.
Public Safety and Emergency Services
It is helpful to know that while some cities like Santa Monica or Beverly Hills have their own police departments, many others contract with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD). Similarly, many cities contract with the Los Angeles County Fire Department rather than maintaining their own independent force.
Notable Unincorporated Communities
Because Los Angeles County is so large, many well-known places are actually unincorporated communities rather than independent cities. Residents in these areas often list the community name in their mailing address, but they are governed by the county.
- East Los Angeles: One of the most famous unincorporated areas in the country.
- Marina del Rey: A major harbor and residential area managed by the county.
- Altadena: Located just north of Pasadena, this is a large residential unincorporated community.
- Castiac: A key community in the northern part of the county near the 5 Freeway.
Conclusion
Los Angeles County is a complex tapestry of 88 distinct cities and numerous unincorporated communities. By understanding the list of municipalities and the regional layout, you can better navigate the services, governance, and geography of Southern California. Whether you are looking for the coastal charm of the South Bay or the mountainous terrain of the north, each city offers something unique.
If you found this guide helpful, consider exploring our other articles on local government structures and navigating public services to make your daily life easier and more organized.