CALIFORNIA
Welcome to California!
California is an amazing mosaic of communities. It’s an incredibly diverse state, where people from all walks of life, cultures, and backgrounds have found a place to thrive.
Dig deeper and find the California community where your next chapter begins.
Top CHIPs for California
The Best Community Home Investment Programs for you.
California is more than just beaches and big cities. It’s a place where diverse communities grow and thrive. With CHIPs, first-time homebuyers and families can access grants and down payment assistance to help put down roots in the Golde State.
City of Woodland HOME First-Time Homebuyer Program
Don’t let down payments hold you back! Access up to $120,000 to cover your upfront home costs. This assistance is designed to help first-time buyers, with repayment due if the property is sold or no longer your home.
Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency PLHA First-Time Homebuyer Mortgage Assistance Program
Don’t miss out on securing your new home with $50,000 in vital assistance! This program offers an amazing 1% interest rate and the unparalleled benefit of NO monthly payments for 30 years. Your path to homeownership starts now!
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California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA) Dream for All Shared Appreciation Loan
Get up to 20% of your home’s purchase price up to $150,000 to cover your down payment or closing costs! Designed for first-time and first-generation homebuyers, this incredible program has no monthly payments at all!
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Community Housing Council (CHC) of Fresno First-Time Home Ownership Grant Program
Get direct financial assistance where it matters most! This $2,000 grant helps first-time homebuyers cover crucial purchase costs, provided seamlessly through escrow at closing.
County of Monterey California-First Time Homebuyers Down Payment Assistance Program
First-time homebuyers in Monterey County, this is your chance! Access up to 20% of your home’s purchase price to cover upfront costs. Say goodbye to financial stress and hello to your new home!
City of Woodland HOME First-Time Homebuyer Program
Don’t let down payments hold you back! Access up to $120,000 to cover your upfront home costs. This assistance is designed to help first-time buyers, with repayment due if the property is sold or no longer your home.
Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency PLHA First--Time Homebuyer Mortgage Assistance Program
Don’t miss out on securing your new home with $50,000 in vital assistance! This program offers an amazing 1% interest rate and the unparalleled benefit of NO monthly payments for 30 years. Your path to homeownership starts now!
California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA) Dream for All Shared Appreciation Loan
Get up to 20% of your home’s purchase priceup to $150,000 to cover your down payment or closing costs! Designed for first-time and first-generation homebuyers, this incredible program has no monthly payments at all!
Community Housing Council (CHC) of Fresno First-Time Home Ownership Grant Program
Get direct financial assistance where it matters most! This $2,000 grant helps first-time homebuyers cover crucial purchase costs, provided seamlessly through escrow at closing.
County of Monterey California-First Time Homebuyers Down Payment Assistance Program
First-time homebuyers in Monterey County, this is your chance! Access up to 20% of your home’s purchase price to cover upfront costs. Say goodbye to financial stress and hello to your new home!
👥
Total Population
39,583,223
🗺️
Land area in square miles
155,854.0 square miles
📊
Rank of State by size
3
📍
State Capital
Sacramento
💰
Median household income
$95,521
💵
Median home sale price
$591,116
🏘️
Total Housing Units
14,392,140
👥
Total Population
39,583,223
🗺️
Land area in square miles
155,854.0 square miles
📊
Rank of State by size
3
📍
State Capital
Sacramento
💰
Median household income
$95,521
💵
Median home sale price
$591,116
🏘️
Total Housing Units
14,392,140
Census Data Snapshot for California
Crucial statistics and data about the state of California.
California being the most populous state in the U.S., incredible diversity and economic influence reflects. From Sacramento to the bay area and beyond, these key data points help future homeowners understand where they might find the California the right fit.
Climate Overview
What’s the weather like in California?
While the Golden State is famed for the sun, its true rhythm is defined by a dynamic climate. Picture warm spring days, while significant winter snowfall blankets the mountains. Even the occasional essential rain shapes its vibrant, diverse scenery. No matter the weather, California brings the vibe.
Major Industries and Employment
What’s driving the economy of California?
California is where big dreams take root and grow. Home to famous and top employers like Apple and Kaiser, it’s no surprise employment opportunities in California are as diverse as its landscapes. Add in the millions of housing units, there’s space to not just live, but to design a life that’s inspired, flexible, and unmistakably yours.
Largest Employer in State
- Employer: University of California
- Industry: Public University/Higher Education
- Employer Headcount: 190,000
Total Employer Establishments
🏢 998,582
As of June 2025
Employment Type
Employee of private company workers
Self-employed in own incorporated business workers
Private not-for-profit wage and salary workers
Local, state, and federal government workers
Self-employed in own not incorporated business workers and unpaid family workers
Occupation
Management, business, science and arts occupations
Sales and office occupations
Service occupations
Production, transportation, and material moving occupations
Natural resources, construction, and maintenance occupations
As of June 2025
Home Affordability
Learn if you can afford a home in California.
Whether you’re drawn to the coast, the valley, or the mountains, there’s a part of California waiting for you to call it home. With CHIPs, you can be closer to owning a place of your own than you think.
Cities By Population
What are the biggest cities in California in terms of population?
California’s story isn’t told by one city alone. It’s a mosaic of vibrant urban centers. From Los Angeles, the heart of entertainment, to San Diego’s coastal charm, and Sacramento’s capital energy, the most populated cities in California, each bring something special. These top cities offer opportunity, culture, and a place to call home no matter your lifestyle.
City
Rank
Population as of 2025
Los Angeles
1
3,770,958
San Diego
2
1,389,672
San Jose
3
943,212
San Francisco
4
767,968
Fresno
5
547,720
Sacramento
6
526,954
Long Beach
7
438,723
Oakland
8
433,544
Bakersfield
9
418,781
Anaheim
10
336,414
School Rankings and
District Information
What are the best schools in California?
Raising a family in California starts with smart decisions and that begins with education. School rankings and education statistics help ensure you’re choosing a home near the best schools in California, giving your kids the opportunity to thrive from day one.
Homes for Sale
Let’s find your dream home in California.
With thousands of California homes for sale and new real estate listings added daily, there’s never been a better time to find your place in the Golden State. When you’re ready to buy a house in California, you’ll see it’s not just about the house but it’s about building a life.
State Fun Facts
Learn some fun trivia about the state of California.
Think you know California? Think again. These quirky facts about the Golden State just might surprise you and make you love living here even more.
Famous Faces from California
Who are the well-known personalities from California?
California’s got some serious star power! Check out these legends:
Agency
Website
California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA)
California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD)
California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet)
Government Resources
Find more information about housing and real estate in California.
Here are some useful California government resources to help you research homes, schools, and other details about the state.
Agency
Website
California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA)
California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD)
California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet)
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