What is the population of Los Angeles?

Los Angeles County has a population of just over 9.7 million people as of 2023. This makes it the most populous county in the United States, far exceeding the city proper's population. The city of Los Angeles itself has about 3.8 million residents, making it the second-largest city in the US after New York City. When people refer to "Los Angeles," they often mean the wider metropolitan area, which stretches across multiple counties and includes a total population closer to 18.5 million. This vast area means you'll find diverse communities and a wide range of living experiences, from dense urban centers to more suburban and even rural pockets. Understanding the distinction between the city, county, and metropolitan area is important when considering a move. Your cost of living, commute times, and even local tax rates can vary significantly depending on which part of "LA" you choose to call home.