Los Angeles County vs U.S. States: A Population Comparison
Los Angeles County is often thought of as just a collection of famous cities—but in reality, it functions more like a state. With nearly 10 million residents, Los Angeles County alone has a larger population than most U.S. states, including places with multiple major cities and vast land areas.
When you compare LA County to entire states like New Jersey, Arizona, and Washington, the numbers are eye-opening. This population comparison highlights just how massive—and influential—Los Angeles County truly is.
How Big Is Los Angeles?
Los Angeles has an estimated population of around 3.8–4 million people, making it the second-largest city in the United States, behind New York City.
That single city rivals — and exceeds — the population of numerous states.
Population Comparison Table
Los Angeles County vs U.S. States
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| State / County | Population (Approx.) | Compared to LA County |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles County | 9.8–10.0 million | — |
| New Jersey | 9.3 million | Smaller |
| North Carolina | 10.8 million | Larger |
| Virginia | 8.7 million | Smaller |
| Washington | 7.9 million | Smaller |
| Arizona | 7.4 million | Smaller |
| Massachusetts | 7.0 million | Smaller |
| Tennessee | 7.1 million | Smaller |
| Indiana | 6.8 million | Smaller |
| Missouri | 6.2 million | Smaller |
| Maryland | 6.2 million | Smaller |
| Wisconsin | 5.9 million | Smaller |
| Colorado | 5.9 million | Smaller |
| Minnesota | 5.7 million | Smaller |
👉 If LA County were a state, it would rank around 10th–11th in population nationwide.
Why Los Angeles County Is So Massive
- Contains 88 incorporated cities
- Home to major metros like Los Angeles, Long Beach, Pasadena, Santa Monica
- One of the most diverse and economically powerful regions in the world
- Manages infrastructure and services on a state-level scale
Los Angeles County Population FAQs
Is Los Angeles County more populous than New Jersey?
Yes. Los Angeles County has nearly 10 million residents, making it slightly more populous than the entire state of New Jersey.
Is Los Angeles County bigger than North Carolina?
No. North Carolina has about 10.8 million residents, which is more than Los Angeles County.
How many states have fewer people than Los Angeles County?
More than 35 U.S. states have smaller populations than Los Angeles County.
If Los Angeles County were a state, how would it rank?
Los Angeles County would rank around the 10th or 11th most populous state in the U.S.
