California

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State Motto

Eureka (I have found it)

State Motto of California

California State Information

California is the 31st State in the Union

California, located on the west coast of the United States, is a vibrant and diverse state known for its breathtaking natural beauty, booming economy, and rich culture. With a population of over 39 million, it is the most populous state in the country. California is famous for its iconic cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego, which serve as hubs for entertainment, technology, and innovation.

The state is home to a variety of landscapes, from rugged coastlines and fertile valleys to the majestic Sierra Nevada mountains. It also boasts famous national parks such as Yosemite and Joshua Tree. California plays a key role in the U.S. economy, with major industries including technology, entertainment, agriculture, and tourism. Known for its progressive policies, California often leads the way in areas like environmental conservation and social justice. Despite its challenges, the state continues to be a symbol of opportunity and remains a cultural powerhouse that has a lasting impact on the nation.

State Nickname of California

California Geography

Download maps of California

California is known for its diverse geography, offering a wide range of natural landscapes. The state is famous for its vast Pacific coastline, which stretches over 800 miles and features beautiful beaches and dramatic cliffs. Moving inland, the terrain shifts from the Sierra Nevada Mountains in the east, home to peaks like Mount Whitney (the highest point in the contiguous U.S.), to fertile valleys like the Central Valley, one of the most important agricultural regions in the country.

California’s climate varies widely, from the Mediterranean climate of Southern California to the alpine climate of the mountain regions. The state is home to deserts like the Mojave Desert, lush forests in the north, and iconic natural landmarks such as Yosemite National Park, the Redwood and Sequoia forests, and Death Valley, the hottest and driest national park in the U.S. This geographic diversity makes California a place of extraordinary natural beauty and ecological importance.

California Economy

California has the largest and most diverse economy of any U.S. state, and it's often ranked as the world's fifth-largest economy if treated as a separate nation. With a gross domestic product (GDP) over $3 trillion, California's economy is driven by a variety of industries. These include technology and innovation in Silicon Valley, entertainment in Hollywood, agriculture in the Central Valley, and international trade through major ports like Los Angeles.

The state also has a strong tourism sector, aerospace manufacturing, and a growing renewable energy industry. California's economic power is supported by a skilled workforce, abundant natural resources, and a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation that helps drive ongoing economic growth and development.

California at a Glance

Key facts about California covering taxes, cost of living, income, and climate.

Taxes

California has a graduated income tax ranging from 1.00% to 13.30%. Residents carry one of the highest overall tax burdens in the nation at 13.50% of income, and the combined state and local sales tax averages 8.82%.

Overall Tax Burden

Income Tax:	1.00% – 13.30%
Overall Tax Burden:	13.50% of income
State Sales Tax:	7.25% (8.82% avg combined with local)
Property Tax Rate:	0.75% effective rate
Gas Tax:	68.10¢ per gallon
Estate Tax:	No

Cost of Living & Housing

California has a significantly higher cost of living than the US average, coming in 42.2% more expensive. Housing is a major cost driver, with a median home price of $785,000.

Cost of Living Index

Cost of Living Index:	142.20 (US avg = 100)
Median Home Price:	$785,000
Median Monthly Rent:	$1,900/mo

Income & Employment

California's median household income of $84,097 is slightly above the national average. The unemployment rate of 5.30% is above the national average, and the poverty rate of 12.00% is above the national average.

Median Household Income

Median Household Income:	$84,097
Minimum Wage:	$16.50/hr
Unemployment Rate:	5.30%
Poverty Rate:	12.00%

Climate

California enjoys plenty of sunshine with about 146 sunny days per year. Winters are cool at 53.0°F in January, warming to 74.0°F in July, and snow is rare.

Sunny Days / Year

Sunny Days / Year:	146 days
Avg January Temp:	53.0°F
Avg July Temp:	74.0°F
Annual Rainfall:	22.20"
Annual Snowfall:	1.00"

Demographics

California has a relatively young population with a median age of 37.0. It is one of the most densely populated states at 253.7 people per square mile, and the population is declining at 0.3% per year.

Median Age

Median Age:	37.0 years
Population Density:	253.7 per sq mi
Population Growth:	-0.30% (last census)

California State Symbols