Los Angeles

“LA” and “City of Los Angeles” redirect here. For other uses, see Los Angeles (disambiguation) , La , and City of Los Angeles (disambiguation) .

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Los Angeles, often referred to colloquially as L.A. or the City of Angels, holds the distinction of being the most populous municipality within the U.S. state of California . It serves as the vibrant epicenter of commercial, financial , and cultural activities across Southern California . As of an estimated 2024 projection, the city proper boasts a population of approximately 3.88 million residents, solidifying its position as the second-most populous city in the entire United States, surpassed only by New York City . What truly defines Los Angeles, however, is its remarkably ethnically and culturally diverse populace. This rich tapestry of peoples forms the core of a sprawling metropolitan area that, as of 2024, encompasses over 12.9 million individuals. Extending this scope further, Greater Los Angeles , a vast combined statistical area that integrates the Los Angeles and Riverside–San Bernardino metropolitan regions, presents an even more immense urban expanse, home to more than 18.5 million residents.

Geographically, the majority of the city’s expanse is nestled within the Los Angeles Basin , a picturesque region adjacent to the vast Pacific Ocean. This basin extends inland, partly embracing the majestic Santa Monica Mountains , and reaches northward into the expansive San Fernando Valley . To its east, the city shares borders with the San Gabriel Valley . The city’s administrative boundaries encompass approximately 469 square miles (1,210 km 2 ), [6] and it proudly serves as the county seat and the most densely populated urban center within Los Angeles County . This county itself is a titan, recognized as the most populous county in the United States , with an estimated 9.86 million residents as of 2022. [17] In terms of tourism, Los Angeles ranks as the third-most visited city in the U.S. , attracting over 2.7 million visitors annually as of 2023.

The historical roots of the area that would become Los Angeles are deeply embedded in the presence of the indigenous Tongva people , who originally inhabited the region. Later, the land was claimed for Spain by the maritime explorer Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo in 1542. The formal founding of the city, however, occurred on September 4, 1781, under the direction of Spanish governor Felipe de Neve , on the site of the Tongva village of Yaanga . [19] Following the Mexican War of Independence , the settlement became a part of the First Mexican Empire in 1821. The territorial landscape shifted once more in 1848, with the conclusion of the Mexican–American War . Through the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo , Los Angeles, along with the rest of California, was ceded to the United States. The city was officially incorporated as a municipality on April 4, 1850, a mere five months before California achieved its statehood . A pivotal moment in the city’s development arrived in the 1890s with the discovery of oil , which precipitated a period of rapid and transformative growth. [20] Further expansion was facilitated by the completion of the Los Angeles Aqueduct in 1913, a monumental engineering feat that secured a vital water supply from Eastern California .

Los Angeles boasts a dynamic and multifaceted economy, characterized by its diversity and the presence of a wide array of industries. Despite a notable shift in film and television production following the COVID-19 pandemic [21] and a perceived fading of Hollywood’s cultural dominance, [22] the city’s historical moniker, “Tinseltown,” still occasionally resonates, [23] [24] and its significance in the history of film remains undeniable. It is also home to one of the busiest container ports in the Americas, [25] [26] [27] and while downtown Los Angeles has experienced shifts in business, its urban core continues to evolve as a cultural nexus, notably featuring the world’s most extensive collection of architecture designed by Frank Gehry . [28] In 2018, the economic output of the Los Angeles metropolitan area reached a staggering gross metropolitan product exceeding $1.0 trillion, positioning it as the third-largest GDP city globally, trailing only New York and Tokyo . The city’s legacy as an Olympic host is also significant, having hosted the Summer Olympics in 1932 and 1984 , with a third hosting in 2028 on the horizon.

Toponymy

The nomenclature of Los Angeles is a fascinating journey through its historical and linguistic evolution. For a more in-depth exploration, the Etymology of place names in Los Angeles County, California article is recommended.

On September 4, 1781, a contingent of 44 settlers, collectively known as “Los Pobladores ,” established the pueblo (town). They bestowed upon it the name El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora la Reina de los Ángeles , a designation that translates to ‘The Town of Our Lady the Queen of the Angels’. The precise original name of this settlement remains a subject of scholarly debate; the Guinness Book of World Records has cited it as “El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora la Reina de los Ángeles del Río Porciúncula ”. [31] However, other historical accounts present variations or abbreviations of this lengthy appellation. [32]

The pronunciation of the city’s name in English has undergone a notable evolution. An article published in 1953 in the journal of the American Name Society posits that the pronunciation /lɔːs ˈændʒələs/ , commonly rendered as “lawss AN-jəl-əs,” became firmly established after the city’s incorporation in 1850. Subsequently, around the 1880s, the pronunciation /loʊs ˈæŋɡələs/ , “lohss ANG-gəl-əs,” gained traction, likely influenced by a broader trend in California to adopt Spanish or Spanish-sounding place names and their pronunciations. [33] In 1908, the librarian Charles Fletcher Lummis , a vocal advocate for pronouncing the name with a hard ‘g’ (/ɡ/ ), [34] [35] noted the existence of at least twelve distinct pronunciation variants. [36] In the early 20th century, the Los Angeles Times actively promoted the pronunciation “Loce AHNG-hayl-ais” (/loʊs ˈɑːŋheɪleɪs/ ), an approximation of the Spanish pronunciation [los ˈaŋxeles] , by featuring this respelling beneath its masthead for several years. [37] This effort, however, did not achieve widespread adoption. [38]

Since the 1930s, the pronunciation /lɔːs ˈændʒələs/ has become the most prevalent. [39] In 1934, the United States Board on Geographic Names officially decreed this pronunciation for federal government use. [37] This standardization was further endorsed in 1952 by a “jury” convened by Mayor Fletcher Bowron with the specific objective of establishing an official pronunciation. [33] [37]

Within the United Kingdom, common pronunciations include variations such as /lɒs ˈændʒɪliːz, -lɪz, -lɪs/ , “loss AN-jil-eez, -iz, -iss”. [40] The phonetician Jack Windsor Lewis characterized the most common British pronunciation, /lɒs ˈændʒɪliːz/ ⓘ , as a spelling pronunciation . He suggested it arose from an analogy with Greek words ending in -‍es, “reflecting a time when the classics were familiar if Spanish was not.” [41]

History

For a comprehensive chronological account, consult the article on the History of Los Angeles . A more detailed timeline can be found at Timeline of Los Angeles , and a structured overview is available in the Outline of the history of Los Angeles .

Indigenous history

The early settlement of Indigenous Californians in what is now the Los Angeles Basin and the San Fernando Valley was largely shaped by the presence of the Tongva people, who are also recognized as the Gabrieleño since the era of Spanish colonization. The historical nucleus of Tongva influence in this region was the settlement of Yaanga . In the Tongva language , this place was known as Iyáangẚ, a name that translates to “place of the poison oak ”. [42] [43] [44] [45] [19] Iyáangẚ has also been interpreted as “the valley of smoke,” and it was on this very site that the Spanish later established the Pueblo de Los Ángeles .

Spanish rule

In 1542, the Spanish explorer Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo , during an official military expedition, claimed the southern California region for the Spanish Empire as he navigated northward along the Pacific coast. His journey originated from earlier Spanish colonial bases established in Central and South America. [46] Later, on August 2, 1769, Gaspar de Portolà and the Franciscan missionary Juan Crespí reached the area that would eventually become Los Angeles. [47]

The Spanish established Mission San Fernando Rey de España in 1797.

In 1771, the Franciscan friar Junípero Serra oversaw the construction of Mission San Gabriel Arcángel , which marked the establishment of the first mission in the region. [48] On September 4, 1781, a group of 44 settlers, known as “Los Pobladores ,” founded the pueblo, naming it El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora la Reina de los Ángeles , signifying ‘The Town of Our Lady the Queen of the Angels’. [30] Today, the city is the seat of the largest Roman Catholic archdiocese in the United States. Notably, two-thirds of the settlers from New Spain , or Mexico, were of mestizo or mulatto heritage, reflecting a diverse mix of African, indigenous, and European ancestry. [49] For many years, the settlement remained a modest ranch town, with its population reaching approximately 650 residents by 1820. [50] The historical heart of this early settlement is preserved in the Los Angeles Pueblo Plaza and Olvera Street , recognized as the oldest sector of Los Angeles. [51]

Mexican rule

The statesman Pío Pico , a prominent figure in Californio history, served as the final Mexican governor of California . He played a significant role in the evolution of Los Angeles during the transitional periods of Mexican and early American governance.

In 1821, New Spain successfully achieved independence from the Spanish Empire, and the pueblo subsequently became integrated into the new Mexican Republic . Under Mexican administration, Governor Pío Pico designated Los Angeles as the regional capital of Alta California . [52] During this era, the Mexican government enacted further secularization policies affecting the Los Angeles region. [53] The Mexican–American War , which began in 1846, saw the occupation of the pueblo by United States Marines. This led to the siege of Los Angeles , a conflict where approximately 150 Mexican militia members engaged the occupying forces, who ultimately conceded. [54]

The conclusion of Mexican rule was precipitated by the American Conquest of California , an integral part of the broader Mexican-American War . Following a series of engagements, the Americans gained control from the Californios , culminating in the signing of the Treaty of Cahuenga on January 13, 1847. [55] The territorial transfer was formally codified in the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848, officially ceding Los Angeles and the entirety of Alta California to the United States.

Post-Conquest era

The arrival of the railroads marked a significant turning point, beginning with the completion of the transcontinental Southern Pacific line from New Orleans to Los Angeles in 1876. The Santa Fe Railroad followed, reaching the city in 1885. [56] The discovery of petroleum in the city and its surrounding areas in 1892 propelled California to become the nation’s leading oil producer by 1923, accounting for roughly a quarter of the global petroleum output. [57]

By the turn of the century, the population had surged to over 102,000, [58] creating considerable strain on the city’s water supply . [59] The successful completion of the Los Angeles Aqueduct in 1913, under the diligent supervision of William Mulholland , was instrumental in sustaining the city’s continued growth. [60] The city’s charter contained specific clauses that prohibited the City of Los Angeles from supplying water from the aqueduct to any territory beyond its boundaries. This restriction compelled numerous adjacent cities and communities to seek annexation into Los Angeles. [61] [62] [63]

In the early 20th century, the burgeoning Hollywood studios , such as Paramount Pictures , were instrumental in establishing Hollywood as the global nexus of the film industry, thereby reinforcing Los Angeles’s status as a major international economic center.

Los Angeles pioneered the concept of municipal zoning in the United States, enacting its first ordinance on September 14, 1908. This ordinance, promulgated by the Los Angeles City Council , established distinct zones for residential and industrial land use. It delineated three categories of residential zones where industrial activities were explicitly prohibited. These prohibitions extended to facilities such as barns, lumber yards, and any industrial operation employing mechanized equipment. The enforcement of these regulations often occurred retroactively against existing industrial properties. In addition to these land-use restrictions, certain activities were already subject to regulation as public nuisances, including the warehousing of explosives, the operation of gas works, oil drilling, slaughterhouses, and tanneries . The City Council also designated seven industrial zones within the city. However, between 1908 and 1915, the council introduced various exceptions to the broad prohibitions applicable to the residential zones, leading to the emergence of some industrial uses within these areas. The 1908 Residence District Ordinance differed from subsequent zoning legislation in the United States in two key aspects: firstly, it did not establish a comprehensive zoning map, unlike the 1916 New York City Zoning Ordinance . Secondly, the residential zones did not differentiate between types of housing, treating apartments, hotels, and detached single-family homes with equal zoning status. [64]

The year 1910 saw the formal merger of Hollywood into Los Angeles, at a time when 10 movie companies were already operating within the city. By 1921, the concentration of the world’s film industry in Los Angeles had reached over 80 percent. [65] The substantial revenue generated by this industry provided a buffer against the severe economic repercussions of the Great Depression that affected much of the nation. [66] By 1930, the city’s population had surpassed the one million mark. [67] In 1932, Los Angeles had the honor of hosting the Summer Olympics .

Post-WWII

During World War II , the California Shipbuilding Corporation , situated on Terminal Island , was among the numerous enterprises that transformed the Port of Los Angeles into one of the nation’s most significant shipyards .

In the context of the United States home front during World War II , Los Angeles emerged as a critical hub for wartime manufacturing, particularly in the aircraft and shipbuilding sectors. Calship, located on Terminal Island, constructed hundreds of Liberty Ships and Victory Ships . The Los Angeles area also served as the headquarters for six major American aircraft manufacturers: Douglas Aircraft Company , Hughes Aircraft , Lockheed , North American Aviation , Northrop Corporation , and Vultee . The wartime production of aircraft in Los Angeles during a single year exceeded the cumulative output of all pre-war years since the Wright brothers’ pioneering flight in 1903. This surge in manufacturing activity was so profound that William S. Knudsen , a member of the National Defense Advisory Commission, famously declared, “We won because we smothered the enemy in an avalanche of production, the like of which he had never seen, nor dreamed possible.” [68]

Following the conclusion of World War II , Los Angeles experienced an unprecedented period of growth, with a significant urban sprawl extending into the San Fernando Valley . [69] The expansion of the state-funded Interstate Highway System throughout the 1950s and 1960s played a crucial role in fostering suburban development and, consequently, marked the decline of the city’s privately owned electrified rail system , which had once been the most extensive in the world.

The post-war era also witnessed the proliferation of amusement parks in the region, a trend spurred by suburban expansion and increased population density. [70] An illustrative example of this phenomenon is Beverly Park , which was situated at the intersection of Beverly Boulevard and La Cienega before its closure and subsequent replacement by the [Beverly Center]. [71]

In the latter half of the 20th century, Los Angeles implemented significant measures to restrict housing development through drastic downzoning policies. In 1960, the city’s zoning regulations supported a theoretical maximum population of approximately 10 million. However, by 1990, this capacity had been reduced to 4.5 million as a direct consequence of policies that effectively prohibited new housing construction through zoning amendments. [72]

The year 1965 was marked by widespread racial tensions , which culminated in the Watts riots . These events resulted in 34 fatalities and over 1,000 reported injuries. [73]

The opening ceremony of the 1984 Summer Olympics at the LA Coliseum .

In 1969, California became the birthplace of the Internet, with the first successful ARPANET transmission originating from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and directed to the Stanford Research Institute in Menlo Park . [74]

The election of Tom Bradley as mayor in 1973 marked a significant milestone, as he became the city’s first African American mayor. He served for five consecutive terms, retiring in 1993. Other notable events that transpired in the city during the 1970s included the 1974 standoff involving the Symbionese Liberation Army in South Central , and the chilling Hillside Stranglers murder cases that occurred between 1977 and 1978. [75]

By early 1984, Los Angeles had surpassed Chicago in population, ascending to the position of the second-largest city in the United States. [76]

In 1984, the city hosted the Summer Olympic Games for the second occasion. [1932_Summer_Olympics] Despite a significant boycott by 14 Communist countries , the 1984 Olympics proved to be the most financially successful in the history of the Games up to that point, [77] and were the second Olympics to achieve profitability. According to an analysis of contemporary newspaper reports, the only other profitable Olympic Games were the 1932 Summer Olympics , also held in Los Angeles. [78]

The Wilshire Grand Center , completed in 2017, stands as the tallest building in California and indeed the entire Western United States .

The acquittal of four Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officers, captured on videotape beating Rodney King , by a Simi Valley jury on April 29, 1992, ignited widespread riots across the city. [79] [80]

The devastating magnitude 6.7 Northridge earthquake struck the city in 1994, causing an estimated $12.5 billion in damages and resulting in 72 fatalities. [81] The century concluded with the infamous Rampart scandal , which brought to light one of the most extensive documented instances of police misconduct in American history. [82]

21st century

In 2002, Mayor James Hahn spearheaded the successful campaign against secessionist movements, leading to voters rejecting proposals for the San Fernando Valley and Hollywood to secede from the city. [83]

In 2022 , Karen Bass made history by becoming the city’s first female mayor , thereby making Los Angeles the largest U.S. city ever to be led by a woman in that office. [84]

In January 2025, a series of devastating wildfires , exacerbated by severe winds, swept across Southern California. The Pacific Palisades fire inflicted widespread destruction upon the northwestern community of Pacific Palisades , with many observers labeling it the most destructive wildfire in the city’s history. [85]

The city experienced significant protests and riots in June 2025, following raids conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). [86] Los Angeles found itself a target of the Trump administration due to its sanctuary city status, which led to the deployment of hundreds of federal agents [2025_deployment_of_federal_forces_in_the_United_States] to target the city’s immigrant communities. [87] President Trump further escalated the situation by deploying the Army National Guard and U.S. Marines without the explicit consent of local authorities. [88]

Los Angeles is slated to host the 2028 Summer Olympics and Paralympic Games . This will mark the third time the city has hosted the Olympic Games, placing it in a select group of cities with such a distinction. [89] [90]

Geography

For a more detailed understanding, please refer to Los Angeles Basin and San Fernando Valley .

Topography

A satellite view of Los Angeles showcases its diverse terrain.

The city of Los Angeles covers a total area of 502.7 square miles (1,302 km 2 ), comprising 468.7 square miles (1,214 km 2 ) of land and 34.0 square miles (88 km 2 ) of water. [91] The city’s dimensions stretch 44 miles (71 km) from north to south and 29 miles (47 km) from east to west, with a total perimeter of 342 miles (550 km).

Los Angeles exhibits a varied topography, characterized by both expansive flatlands and undulating hills. The highest elevation within the city limits is Mount Lukens , reaching an altitude of 5,074 feet (1,547 m). [92] [93] This peak is situated in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains , marking the northern extent of the Crescenta Valley . The eastern reaches of the Santa Monica Mountains extend from Downtown to the Pacific Ocean, effectively separating the Los Angeles Basin from the San Fernando Valley. Other hilly areas within Los Angeles include the Mt. Washington district north of Downtown, eastern sectors such as Boyle Heights , the Crenshaw district in the vicinity of the Baldwin Hills , and the San Pedro district.

Surrounding the city are significantly higher mountain ranges. Immediately to the north lie the San Gabriel Mountains , a popular recreational destination for Angelenos. The range’s highest point is Mount San Antonio , locally known as Mount Baldy, which attains an elevation of 10,064 feet (3,068 m). Further afield, the loftiest peak in southern California is San Gorgonio Mountain . Located 81 miles (130 km) east of downtown Los Angeles, [94] it stands at an impressive height of 11,503 feet (3,506 m).

The Los Angeles River , which is predominantly seasonal, functions as the primary drainage channel for the region. It has been extensively engineered, straightened, and encased in 51 miles (82 km) of concrete by the Army Corps of Engineers to serve as a flood control channel. [95] The river originates in the Canoga Park district of the city, flows eastward from the San Fernando Valley along the northern edge of the Santa Monica Mountains, and then turns southward through the city center, eventually emptying into the Port of Long Beach at the Pacific Ocean. The smaller Ballona Creek discharges into the Santa Monica Bay at Playa del Rey .

Vegetation

For further details, see California coastal sage and chaparral .

Del Rey Lagoon in Playa del Rey .

Los Angeles is distinguished by its rich diversity of native plant species, a characteristic attributed to its varied habitats, which include beaches, wetlands , and mountain ecosystems. The most prominent vegetation communities found here are coastal sage scrub , chaparral shrublands, and riparian woodland . [96] Native flora includes species such as the California poppy , matilija poppy , toyon , various species of Ceanothus , Chamise , Coast Live Oak , sycamore , willow , and Giant Wildrye . Sadly, many of these native species, including the Los Angeles sunflower , have become so scarce that they are now considered endangered. The landscape of Los Angeles is also characterized by the widespread presence of Mexican Fan Palms , Canary Island Palms , Queen Palms , Date Palms , and California Fan Palms . However, it is important to note that only the California Fan Palm is native to California, and even then, not to the city of Los Angeles itself.

The city of Los Angeles officially recognizes several flora as its symbols:

• The official tree of Los Angeles is the Coral Tree ( Erythrina afra ). [97]
• The official flower is the Bird of Paradise ( Strelitzia reginae ). [98]
• The official plant is toyon ( Heteromeles arbutifolia ). [99]

Fauna

For a comprehensive list, see List of wild animals from Los Angeles .

The urban environment of Los Angeles supports a significant population of bobcats ( Lynx rufus ). [100] The condition known as mange is a prevalent issue affecting this bobcat population. [100] While research by Serieys et al. in 2014 identified evidence of selection acting on immune genetics at several loci , they did not demonstrate a definitive real difference in survival rates that would aid the bobcats in combating future mange outbreaks. [100]

Wild animals commonly encountered in the Los Angeles area include bats, coyotes, raccoons, opossums, skunks, snakes, and squirrels. [101] [102] Larger wildlife, such as mountain lions , mule deer , and other wild species, are also frequently observed throughout Southern California. [103]

Geology

Mount Lukens , situated within the San Gabriel Mountains , represents the highest point in Los Angeles.

Los Angeles is situated in a region highly susceptible to earthquakes due to its location on the Pacific Ring of Fire . This geological instability has resulted in the formation of numerous faults , which trigger approximately 10,000 earthquakes annually in Southern California, although the vast majority of these seismic events are too minor to be perceptible. [104] The strike-slip San Andreas Fault system, which marks the boundary between the Pacific Plate and the North American Plate , traverses the Los Angeles metropolitan area. The segment of this fault that passes through Southern California is known to experience a major earthquake roughly every 110 to 140 years. Consequently, seismologists have issued warnings regarding the potential for the next significant seismic event, often referred to as “the big one,” given that the last major earthquake recorded in the region was the 1857 Fort Tejon earthquake . [105] The Los Angeles basin and its surrounding metropolitan area are also vulnerable to blind thrust earthquakes . [106] Notable earthquakes that have impacted the Los Angeles region include the 1933 Long Beach earthquake , the 1971 San Fernando earthquake , the 1987 Whittier Narrows earthquake , and the 1994 Northridge earthquake . While most seismic activity is of low intensity and often unfelt, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has released the UCERF California earthquake forecast , which provides models for earthquake occurrences within California. Furthermore, certain areas of the city are susceptible to tsunamis . Harbor districts, in particular, sustained damage from waves generated by major seismic events, including the 1946 Aleutian Islands earthquake , the 1960 Valdivia earthquake , the 1964 Alaska earthquake , the 2010 Chile earthquake , and the 2011 Japan earthquake . [107]

Cityscape

For a comprehensive list of districts and neighborhoods, see List of districts and neighborhoods in Los Angeles . For information on tall structures, consult List of tallest buildings in Los Angeles .

The city of Los Angeles is characterized by its division into numerous distinct districts and neighborhoods, [108] [109] many of which were once independently incorporated cities that eventually integrated into Los Angeles. [110] These neighborhoods possess a high degree of definition, with the city maintaining signage that clearly marks nearly all of them. [111]

Overview

The skyline of downtown Los Angeles as viewed from Griffith Park .

The urban layout of Los Angeles generally follows a grid plan , featuring uniform block lengths and occasional streets that traverse across these blocks. However, this grid system is often complicated by the city’s rugged topography, necessitating the implementation of different grid layouts for each of the valleys that Los Angeles encompasses. Major thoroughfares are engineered to facilitate the movement of substantial traffic volumes across vast areas of the city, with many of these streets extending for considerable distances. For instance, Sepulveda Boulevard measures 43 miles (69 km) in length, while Foothill Boulevard extends for over 60 miles (97 km), reaching as far east as San Bernardino. Commuters in Los Angeles contend with some of the most challenging rush hour conditions globally, as indicated by an annual traffic index compiled by the navigation system provider [TomTom]. According to this index, residents of the Los Angeles area spend an additional 92 hours annually stuck in traffic. During peak rush hours, congestion levels can reach as high as 80%. [112]

Los Angeles is often perceived as a city dominated by low-rise buildings, a stark contrast to the verticality of cities like New York City. With the exception of a few concentrated urban centers such as downtown , Warner Center , Century City , Koreatown , Miracle Mile , Hollywood, and Westwood , skyscrapers and high-rise structures are not a common feature of the Los Angeles cityscape. Nevertheless, downtown Los Angeles does feature a significant number of buildings exceeding 30 stories, with fourteen structures surpassing 50 stories and two exceeding 70 stories. The tallest among these is the Wilshire Grand Center .

Climate

For detailed climatic information, consult the article on the Climate of Los Angeles .

A climate chart for Los Angeles (Downtown) provides a visual representation of its meteorological patterns. [explanation](/Template:Climate_chart/How_to_read_a_climate_chart)

Source: NOAA [113]

Los Angeles experiences a semi-arid climate with a distinct two-season pattern: dry summers and very mild winters. [Köppen climate classification: BSh] However, it narrowly misses qualifying as a Mediterranean climate (Köppen classification: Csb on the coast, Csa inland ) due to receiving slightly more annual precipitation than the typical threshold. Daytime temperatures generally remain temperate throughout the year, averaging around 68 °F (20 °C) in the winter. [115] Autumn months can be quite warm, with significant heat waves occurring frequently in September and October, while spring months tend to be cooler and wetter. Los Angeles enjoys abundant sunshine year-round, with an average of only 35 days experiencing measurable precipitation. [116]

Temperatures in the coastal basin typically exceed 90 °F (32 °C) on about a dozen days each year, with inland areas experiencing considerably warmer temperatures. [116] Inland regions also exhibit substantial daily temperature fluctuations, with the average difference between the daily low and high exceeding 30 °F (17 °C). [117] The average annual sea temperature is 63 °F (17 °C), ranging from 58 °F (14 °C) in January to 68 °F (20 °C) in August. [118] Sunshine hours accumulate to over 3,000 annually, averaging 7 hours per day in December and peaking at 12 hours per day in July. [119]

The mountainous terrain surrounding Los Angeles creates a complex pattern of microclimates , leading to considerable temperature variations over short distances. For example, the average July maximum temperature at the Santa Monica Pier is 70 °F (21 °C), while in Canoga Park, just 15 miles (24 km) away, it reaches 95 °F (35 °C). [120] The city, much like the broader Southern California coast, is subject to a phenomenon known as “June Gloom ,” characterized by overcast or foggy skies in the morning that typically give way to sunshine by early afternoon. [121]

Lake Hollywood nestled within the Santa Monica Mountains .

Recent droughts in California have placed increasing pressure on the city’s water security . [122] Downtown Los Angeles receives an average of 14.67 inches (373 mm) of precipitation annually, primarily concentrated between November and March. [123] [117] This precipitation typically manifests as moderate rain showers, though heavier rainfall can occur during significant winter storms. Orographic uplift, caused by the interaction of weather systems with the surrounding mountains, often results in higher rainfall totals in the hills and coastal slopes. Summer days are generally rain-free, although occasional incursions of moist air from the south or east can bring brief thunderstorms, particularly to the mountain areas. Coastal regions receive slightly less rainfall than inland and mountainous areas, which experience considerably more. Years with average rainfall are infrequent; the typical pattern involves a cycle of dry years, marked by 5–10 inches (130–250 mm) of rainfall, followed by one or two wetter years with over 20 inches (510 mm). [117] Wetter years are often associated with warm water El Niño conditions in the Pacific, while drier years correlate with cooler water La Niña episodes. Prolonged periods of rain can lead to flooding in low-lying areas and mudslides in the hills, especially after wildfires have stripped vegetation from the slopes.

Venice Beach situated on the South Coast of California .

Freezing temperatures and snowfall are exceptionally rare within the city basin and along the coast. The last recorded instance of a freezing temperature (32 °F or 0 °C) at the downtown station was on January 29, 1979. [117] Freezing conditions are more common in valley locations, and the mountains within city limits typically receive snowfall each winter. The most substantial snowfall recorded in downtown Los Angeles was 2.0 inches (5 cm) on January 15, 1932. [117] [124] While the most recent snowfall occurred in February 2019, marking the first snowfall since 1962, [125] [126] areas adjacent to Los Angeles experienced snowfall as recently as January 2021. [127] Hail, though infrequent, can occur in brief, localized events, but is more common than snowfall. The highest temperature officially recorded at the downtown station was 113 °F (45 °C) on September 27, 2010, [117] [128] while the lowest recorded temperature was 28 °F (−2 °C) on January 4, 1949. [117] Within the City of Los Angeles itself, the highest temperature ever officially documented was 121 °F (49 °C), recorded on September 6, 2020, at the weather station at Pierce College in the San Fernando Valley neighborhood of Woodland Hills . [129] During the autumn and winter months, Santa Ana winds can periodically bring significantly warmer and drier conditions to Los Angeles, consequently increasing the risk of wildfires.

Source 1: NOAA (sun 1961–1977) [130] [113] [131] [132] Source 2: UV Index Today (1995 to 2022) [133]

Environmental issues

For a more detailed examination, refer to Pollution in California § Los Angeles air pollution . Listen to an audio discussion on “Fighting Smog in Los Angeles” from the Distillations Podcast, 2018, hosted by the Science History Institute .

The unique geography of the Los Angeles Basin and the San Fernando Valley , coupled with a heavy reliance on automobiles and the significant activity at the Los Angeles/Long Beach port complex, contributes to the pervasive issue of air pollution in the form of smog. The basin and valley are particularly prone to atmospheric inversions , which trap pollutants emitted from road vehicles, airplanes, locomotives, shipping operations, manufacturing processes, and other sources. [138]

Smog is a common occurrence in Los Angeles, particularly during the season from May to October. [139] Unlike other major cities that benefit from rainfall to dissipate smog, Los Angeles receives only about 15 inches (380 mm) of rain annually, allowing pollution to accumulate over extended periods. Concerns regarding air quality in Los Angeles and other metropolitan areas were pivotal in the enactment of early national environmental legislation, most notably the Clean Air Act . At the time of its passage, California struggled to implement a State Implementation Plan that would enable compliance with the new air quality standards, largely due to the significant pollution generated by older vehicles. [140] More recently, California has taken a leading role in pollution control by mandating the use of low-emission vehicles . Projections indicate a continued decline in smog levels in the coming years, driven by aggressive measures such as the promotion of electric and hybrid vehicles, enhancements in mass transit systems, and other environmental initiatives.

The number of Stage 1 smog alerts in Los Angeles has seen a dramatic reduction, decreasing from over 100 annually in the 1970s to virtually zero in the new millennium. [141] Despite these improvements, reports from the American Lung Association in 2006 and 2007 ranked the city as the most polluted in the nation concerning both short-term and year-round particle pollution. [142] In 2008, the city was ranked second for pollution, still holding the highest position for year-round particulate pollution. [143] By 2010, the city successfully achieved its objective of sourcing 20 percent of its power from renewable energy. [144] The American Lung Association’s 2013 survey positioned the metropolitan area as having the nation’s worst smog, and ranking fourth in both short-term and year-round pollution levels. [145]

Furthermore, Los Angeles is home to the nation’s largest urban oil field . The presence of over 700 active oil wells situated within 1,500 feet (460 m) of residential areas, schools, and hospitals has raised serious concerns from the EPA . [146]

Demographics

For a comprehensive overview, consult the article on Demographics of Los Angeles .

Historical population data illustrates the city’s significant growth:

U.S. Decennial Census [148] 1850–1870 [149] [150] 1880–1890 [151] 1900 [152] 1910 [153] 1920 [154] 1930 [155] 1940 [156] 1950 [157] 1960 [158] 1970 [159] 1980 [160] 1990 [161] 2000 [162] 2010 [163]

Total population, age, and sex

The 2020 U.S. Census reported a population of 3,898,747 within Los Angeles. [164] The population density was calculated at 8,304.2 people per square mile (3,168 people per square kilometer). Demographically, 5.2% of the total population is under the age of 5, 19.5% are under 18, and 13.8% are 65 years of age or older. [164] Females constitute 50.2% of the overall population. [164]

Housing and families

Owner-occupied housing units represent 36.3% of the total housing stock in Los Angeles, with an average cost of $879,500 (as of 2019–2023). [164] For those with a mortgage, the median monthly owner cost is $3,399, while for those without a mortgage, it is $950. [164] The median gross rent in the city stands at $1,879. [164] Los Angeles is home to 1,419,663 households, with an average of 2.64 individuals per household (2019–2023). [164]

Economy

A map illustrating the percentage of households with incomes exceeding $150k across various census tracts in Los Angeles County .

Of the population aged 16 and over, 66.5% are engaged in the civilian labor force. Among female residents aged 16 and over, this figure stands at 61.0%. [164] In 2022, key economic sectors reported significant contributions: accommodation and food services generated $17,366,966, health care and social assistance sectors brought in $46,297,839, transportation and warehousing accounted for $25,410,257, and the retail sector reached $81,351,523. Residents typically spend an average of $21,281 on retail purchases annually. [164] Between 2019 and 2023, the median household income in Los Angeles was recorded at $80,366 (in 2023 dollars), with a per capita income of $46,270 over the preceding 12 months. [164] A notable portion of Los Angeles inhabitants, specifically 16.5%, live below the poverty line. [164]

Race and ethnicity

Chinatown, Los Angeles , a vibrant ethnic enclave.

According to 2023 data compiled by the United States Census Bureau , the population of Los Angeles is composed of 47.2% Hispanic or Latino , 28.3% non-Hispanic White , 8.5% Black , 12.0% Asian , 1.2% Native American , and 0.1% Pacific Islander . [165] The city is characterized by numerous ethnic enclaves , such as Chinatown , Historic Filipinotown , Koreatown , Little Armenia , Little Ethiopia , Tehrangeles , Little Tokyo , Little Bangladesh , and Thai Town . These communities serve as compelling examples of the multiculturalism that defines Los Angeles.

The largest ancestral group among descendants of American countries other than the United States is Mexican , representing 31.9% of the city’s population. This is followed by individuals of Salvadoran (6.0%) and Guatemalan (3.6%) heritage. Descendants of Mexicans and Central Americans have established long-standing communities throughout Los Angeles, dispersed across the entire city and its wider metropolitan area. Their presence is particularly concentrated in areas surrounding Downtown, including East Los Angeles , Northeast Los Angeles , and Westlake . [166]

Among Asian ethnic groups, Filipinos (3.2%) and Koreans (2.9%) form the largest communities, each with their own established ethnic enclaves, notably Koreatown in the Wilshire Center area and Historic Filipinotown . [167] Chinese residents, comprising 1.8% of Los Angeles’s population, are primarily situated outside the city limits, in the San Gabriel Valley of eastern Los Angeles County. However, they maintain a significant presence within the city, particularly in Chinatown . Chinatown and Thaitown also serve as home to many Thais and Cambodians , who constitute 0.3% and 0.1% of Los Angeles’s population, respectively. The Japanese population accounts for 0.9% of the city’s residents. They have an established Little Tokyo in the downtown area, and another significant community of Japanese Americans resides in the Sawtelle district of West Los Angeles. Indians make up 0.9% of the city’s population, while Vietnamese constitute 0.5%.

Los Angeles also hosts notable Caucasian and Middle Eastern communities, including Armenians , Assyrians , and Iranians . Many of these communities have established enclaves such as Little Armenia and Tehrangeles . [169] [170]

African Americans have historically formed the predominant ethnic group in South Los Angeles . Since the 1960s, this area has evolved into the largest African-American community in the western United States. Neighborhoods within South Los Angeles exhibiting the highest concentrations of African Americans include Crenshaw , Baldwin Hills , Leimert Park , Hyde Park , Gramercy Park , Manchester Square , and Watts . [171] Since the 1990s, the escalating cost of living in the city has disproportionately affected the African American population. This demographic group is experiencing the fastest rate of decline within the city, and many of the neighborhoods that were formerly predominantly African American have subsequently become significantly more diverse. [172] [173] Additionally, a substantial Eritrean and Ethiopian community is present in the Fairfax region. [174]

Los Angeles holds the distinction of having the world’s second-largest Mexican, Armenian, Salvadoran, Filipino, and Guatemalan populations by city. It also ranks third globally for its Canadian population and leads the country in the largest Japanese, Iranian/Persian, Cambodian, and Romani (Gypsy) populations. [175] The Italian community is notably concentrated in the San Pedro area. [176]

The majority of Los Angeles’s foreign-born residents originate from Mexico , El Salvador , Guatemala , the Philippines , and South Korea . [177]

Religion

A 2014 study by the Pew Research Center indicated that Christianity is the most widely practiced religion in Los Angeles, with 65% of residents identifying as Christian. [178] [179] The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles is the largest archdiocese in the nation. [180] Under the leadership of Archbishop Cardinal Roger Mahony , the construction of the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels was overseen, and it was inaugurated in September 2002 in downtown Los Angeles. [181]

In 2011, the custom of holding a procession and Mass in honor of Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles, commemorating the city’s founding in 1781, was revived by the Queen of Angels Foundation and its founder Mark Albert. This revival received support from the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and several civic leaders. [182] This revived tradition is a continuation of the original processions and Masses that began on the first anniversary of Los Angeles’s founding in 1782 and continued for nearly a century thereafter.

The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels , also known as Los Angeles Cathedral, serves as the metropolitan cathedral for the Roman Catholic Church in Los Angeles.

With a Jewish population of 621,000 in the metropolitan area, Los Angeles possesses the second-largest Jewish population in the United States, surpassed only by New York City . [183] A significant portion of Los Angeles’s Jewish community now resides on the Westside and in the San Fernando Valley . Historically, Boyle Heights was home to a substantial Jewish population prior to World War II, a presence that diminished due to restrictive housing covenants . Prominent Orthodox Jewish neighborhoods include Hancock Park , Pico-Robertson , and Valley Village . Jewish Israelis are well-represented in the Encino and Tarzana neighborhoods, while Persian Jews are concentrated in Beverly Hills . The greater Los Angeles area hosts diverse expressions of Judaism, including Reform , Conservative , Orthodox , and Reconstructionist movements. The Breed Street Shul in East Los Angeles , constructed in 1923, was once the largest synagogue west of Chicago. It is no longer actively used for regular services and is undergoing conversion into a museum and community center. [184] [185] The Kabbalah Centre also maintains a presence in the city. [186]

The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel was established in Los Angeles by Aimee Semple McPherson in 1923 and continues to be headquartered there. For many years, the church convened at Angelus Temple , which, at the time of its construction, was one of the largest churches in the country. [187]

Wilshire Boulevard Temple is among the largest synagogues in Los Angeles.

Los Angeles has a rich and influential Protestant heritage. The first Protestant service in the city was a Methodist gathering held in a private residence in 1850. The oldest continuously operating Protestant church, First Congregational Church of Los Angeles , was founded in 1867. [188] In the early 1900s, the Bible Institute Of Los Angeles played a role in publishing foundational documents of the Christian Fundamentalist movement, and the Azusa Street Revival is credited with launching the Pentecostalism movement. [188] The Metropolitan Community Church also originated in the Los Angeles area. [189] Prominent churches in the city include First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood , Bel Air Presbyterian Church , First African Methodist Episcopal Church of Los Angeles , West Angeles Church of God in Christ , Second Baptist Church , Crenshaw Christian Center , McCarty Memorial Christian Church , and First Congregational Church.

Second Church of Christ, Scientist .

The Hollywood district of Los Angeles is also home to several significant headquarters and churches, including the Celebrity Center of the Church of Scientology . [190]

Given the diverse multi-ethnic character of Los Angeles, a wide spectrum of faiths is practiced, encompassing Buddhism , Hinduism , Islam , Zoroastrianism , Sikhism , the Baháʼí Faith , various Eastern Orthodox Churches , Sufism , Shintoism , Taoism , Confucianism , Chinese folk religion , and numerous other traditions. Immigrants from Asia, for instance, have established a multitude of significant Buddhist congregations, making the city a global center for Buddhist diversity. The first Buddhist joss house was founded in the city in 1875. [188] Atheism and other secular belief systems are also prevalent, reflecting the city’s status as the largest in the Western U.S. and its inclusion in the Unchurched Belt .

Homelessness

For a detailed examination, consult the article on Homelessness in Los Angeles .

Homeless encampments situated outside Los Angeles City Hall in 2021.

As of January 2024, the City of Los Angeles reported a homeless population of 45,252 individuals, representing approximately 60% of the total homeless population within Los Angeles County. [191] This figure indicates a slight decrease of 2.2% compared to the previous year, with a corresponding 0.3% decrease in the overall homeless population of Los Angeles County. [192] [193] The Skid Row neighborhood is recognized as the epicenter of homelessness in Los Angeles, housing an estimated 8,000 homeless individuals, which constitutes one of the largest stable homeless populations in the United States. [194] [195] Factors contributing to the escalating homeless population in Los Angeles are attributed to the severe lack of housing affordability [193] and the prevalence of substance abuse. [196] It has been reported that nearly 60 percent of the 82,955 individuals who experienced homelessness for the first time in 2019 cited economic hardship as the primary reason for their situation. [192] Within Los Angeles, African Americans are disproportionately affected, being roughly four times more likely to experience homelessness. [192] [197]

Economy

Further information can be found at the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce . For a broader perspective, see Los Angeles County, California § Economy .

A chart detailing employment by industry in Los Angeles County as of 2015.

The economic landscape of Los Angeles is profoundly shaped by its thriving sectors in international trade, entertainment (encompassing television, motion pictures, video games, music recording, and production), aerospace, technology, petroleum, fashion, apparel, and tourism. [198] Other significant industries contributing to the city’s economic vitality include finance, telecommunications, law, healthcare, and transportation . In the 2017 edition of the Global Financial Centres Index , Los Angeles was ranked as the 19th most competitive financial center globally and secured the sixth position among U.S. cities, following New York City , San Francisco , Chicago , Boston , and Washington, D.C. . [199] While many businesses have relocated from downtown Los Angeles in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic , concerted efforts are underway to revitalize the area as a cultural hub, featuring a significant architectural showcase in Bunker Hill designed by the acclaimed architect Frank Gehry . [28]

Among the five major film studios , only Paramount Pictures is situated within the city limits of Los Angeles. [200] It is located within the so-called Thirty-Mile Zone , a designated area encompassing the majority of entertainment headquarters in Southern California. The parent company, Paramount Skydance Corporation , has maintained its corporate headquarters in Los Angeles since 2025. [201]

Los Angeles continues to hold its position as the largest manufacturing center in the United States based on employment figures. However, in terms of the dollar value of manufactured goods, it is now second to the New York metropolitan area . Challenges to manufacturing production in Los Angeles include its relative geographical isolation from major North American markets, a lack of dependable water resources, and a shortage of adequately skilled labor, in addition to a complex regulatory environment. [202] The contiguous ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach together form the busiest port complex in the United States by several metrics and rank as the fifth busiest port globally, playing a vital role in trade within the Pacific Rim . [203]

The combined Port of Los Angeles and Port of Long Beach ranks as the fifth busiest port worldwide.

The Los Angeles metropolitan area generates a gross metropolitan product exceeding $1.0 trillion (as of 2018 [update] ), [29] positioning it as the third-largest economic metropolitan area globally, following New York and Tokyo . [29] A 2012 study conducted by a research group at Loughborough University classified Los Angeles as an “alpha world city ”. [204]

As of 2018 [update], Los Angeles is the headquarters for three Fortune 500 companies: AECOM , CBRE Group , and Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co . [205] Other prominent companies with headquarters in Los Angeles and its surrounding metropolitan area include The Aerospace Corporation , California Pizza Kitchen , [206] Capital Group Companies , Deluxe Entertainment Services Group , Dine Brands Global , DreamWorks Animation , Dollar Shave Club , Fandango Media , Farmers Insurance Group , Forever 21 , Hulu , Panda Express , SpaceX , Ubisoft Film & Television , The Walt Disney Company , Universal Pictures , Warner Bros. , Warner Music Group , and Trader Joe’s .

At the close of the second quarter of 2024, Los Angeles experienced an office space vacancy rate of 31.5%, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 33.5%. [207] [208] Retail vacancy stood at 8.6%, marking a 15% increase compared to the previous year. [208]

Downtown Los Angeles , the city’s central business district .

Arts and culture

For a comprehensive overview, consult the article on the Culture of Los Angeles .

The historic center of the city, located at Plaza de Los Ángeles near Calle Olvera .

Los Angeles is frequently heralded as the world’s creative capital, with one in every six residents employed in a creative industry. [210] The city is home to more artists, writers, filmmakers, actors, dancers, and musicians than any other city in history. [211] Los Angeles culture is significantly influenced by Mexican American heritage, a legacy of California’s history as part of Mexico and, prior to that, the Spanish Empire. [212] The city is also renowned for its prolific murals . [213]

Landmarks

For related lists, see List of sites of interest in the Los Angeles area and National Register of Historic Places listings in Los Angeles, California .

El Cabrillo , an example of Spanish Revival architecture and a National Historic Landmark .

The architectural landscape of Los Angeles reflects its historical influences, drawing from Spanish, Mexican, and American traditions. Popular architectural styles found throughout the city include Spanish Colonial Revival , Mission Revival , California Churrigueresque , Mediterranean Revival , Art Deco , and Mid-Century Modern , among others.

Key landmarks in Los Angeles include the iconic Hollywood Sign , [214] the Walt Disney Concert Hall , the distinctive Capitol Records Building , [215] the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels , [216] the historic Angels Flight railway, [217] Grauman’s Chinese Theatre , [218] the Dolby Theatre , [219] the renowned Griffith Observatory , [220] the Getty Center and its sister institution, the Getty Villa , [221] [222] the architecturally significant Stahl House , [223] the historic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum , the vibrant entertainment complex of L.A. Live , [224] the Los Angeles County Museum of Art , the unique Venice Canal Historic District and its famous boardwalk, the futuristic Theme Building , the architecturally acclaimed Bradbury Building , the towering U.S. Bank Tower , the modern Wilshire Grand Center , the bustling Hollywood Boulevard , the civic landmark Los Angeles City Hall , the iconic Hollywood Bowl , [225] the decommissioned battleship USS Iowa, the distinctive Watts Towers , [226] the popular Crypto.com Arena , the historic Dodger Stadium , and the culturally significant Olvera Street . [227]

Movies and the performing arts

Further information is available on the Music of Los Angeles . Related lists include List of films set in Los Angeles and List of songs about Los Angeles .

Grauman’s Chinese Theatre on the illustrious Hollywood Walk of Fame .

The performing arts play a pivotal role in defining the cultural identity of Los Angeles. According to the USC Stevens Institute for Innovation, the city hosts “more than 1,100 annual theatrical productions and 21 openings every week.” [211] The Los Angeles Music Center is recognized as “one of the three largest performing arts centers in the nation,” attracting over 1.3 million visitors annually. [228] The architectural marvel that is the Walt Disney Concert Hall , the centerpiece of the Music Center, serves as the home of the esteemed [Los Angeles Philharmonic]. [229] Resident companies at the Music Center also include notable organizations such as the Center Theatre Group , the Los Angeles Master Chorale , and the Los Angeles Opera . [230] [231] [232] The cultivation of artistic talent is fostered at premier institutions like the Colburn School and the USC Thornton School of Music .

The Hollywood Bowl in the scenic Hollywood Hills .

The Hollywood neighborhood of Los Angeles has long been recognized as the epicenter of the motion picture industry , a distinction it has held since the early 20th century. The Los Angeles area is also synonymous with being the hub of the television industry . [233] The city hosts major film studios as well as prominent record labels. Los Angeles is the venue for prestigious annual awards ceremonies, including the Academy Awards , the Primetime Emmy Awards , and the Grammy Awards , alongside numerous other accolades within the entertainment sector. The city is home to the USC School of Cinematic Arts , which holds the distinction of being the oldest film school in the United States. [234]

Museums and galleries

For related lists, see List of museums in Los Angeles and List of museums in Los Angeles County, California .

The Getty Villa , one of two campuses belonging to the J. Paul Getty Museum , alongside the Getty Center .

Los Angeles County, California, is home to 841 museums and art galleries, with a significant concentration located within the city of Los Angeles itself. [235] This impressive number signifies more museums per capita than any other city in the U.S. [235] Among the notable institutions are the Los Angeles County Museum of Art , recognized as the largest art museum in the Western United States, [236] the Getty Center , which is part of the J. Paul Getty Trust , the world’s wealthiest art institution, [237] the [Petersen Automotive Museum], [238] the [Huntington Library], [239] the Natural History Museum , [240] the historic [Battleship Iowa], [241] The Broad , which houses an extensive collection of over 2,000 works of contemporary art, [242] and the Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles . [243] A substantial number of art galleries are situated along [Gallery Row], where tens of thousands of visitors attend the monthly Downtown Art Walk. [244]

Libraries

The Los Angeles Public Library system operates a network of 72 public libraries across the city. [245] Certain unincorporated areas within the county are served by branches of the County of Los Angeles Public Library , many of which are conveniently located within walking distance for local residents. [246]

Cuisine

For a list of acclaimed dining establishments, see List of Michelin-starred restaurants in California .

The culinary landscape of Los Angeles is a vibrant fusion of global flavors, a direct result of the city’s rich immigrant history and diverse population. As of 2025, the Michelin Guide has recognized 20 starred restaurants within the city, including Providence and Somni , both of which have earned the prestigious three Michelin stars. [247]

Immigrants from Latin America, particularly those from Mexico , have introduced a wealth of culinary traditions, including tacos , burritos , quesadillas , tortas , tamales , and [enchiladas]. These dishes are readily available from food trucks and street stands, as well as from specialized taquerias and cafés . Asian culinary influences are also prominent, with numerous immigrant-owned restaurants scattered throughout the city, particularly in vibrant culinary hubs like Chinatown , [248] Koreatown , [249] and Little Tokyo . [250] Furthermore, Los Angeles offers an exceptional array of vegan, vegetarian, and plant-based dining options.

Sports

For a comprehensive overview, consult the article on Sports in Los Angeles . Related topics include Soccer in Los Angeles and History of the National Football League in Los Angeles .

The historic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum .

Los Angeles and its surrounding metropolitan area are home to eleven top-tier professional sports teams. While some of these teams are based in neighboring communities, they proudly carry “Los Angeles” in their names. These include the Los Angeles Dodgers [251] and the Los Angeles Angels [252] of Major League Baseball (MLB); the Los Angeles Rams [253] and Los Angeles Chargers of the National Football League (NFL); the Los Angeles Lakers [254] and Los Angeles Clippers [255] of the National Basketball Association (NBA); the [Los Angeles Kings](/Los_Ang Angeles_Kings) [256] and Anaheim Ducks [257] of the National Hockey League (NHL); the Los Angeles Galaxy [258] and Los Angeles FC [259] of Major League Soccer (MLS); and the Los Angeles Sparks of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). [260] Additionally, the city is represented in Minor League Cricket (MiLC) by the SoCal Lashings and in Major League Cricket (MLC) by the Los Angeles Knight Riders . [261]

Other notable sports affiliations include the UCLA Bruins and the USC Trojans , both prominent NCAA Division I teams competing in the Big Ten Conference . [262]

Dodger Stadium , the home venue of the Los Angeles Dodgers in Major League Baseball .

Despite being the second-largest city in the United States, Los Angeles notably did not host an NFL team between 1995 and 2015. [History_of_the_National_Football_League_in_Los_Angeles] For a period, the Los Angeles area was home to two NFL franchises: the Rams and the Raiders. Both teams relocated in 1995, with the Rams moving to St. Louis and the Raiders returning to their original home in Oakland, California . After a 21-season tenure in St. Louis, the NFL announced on January 12, 2016, that the Rams would return to Los Angeles for the 2016 NFL season , playing their home games at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum for four seasons. [263] [264] [265] Prior to their move in 1995, the Rams had played their home games in the Coliseum from 1946 to 1979, making them the first professional sports team to establish residency in Los Angeles. They subsequently moved to Anaheim Stadium from 1980 to 1994. On January 12, 2017, the San Diego Chargers announced their intention to relocate back to Los Angeles, becoming the Los Angeles Chargers starting with the 2017 NFL season . They played their home games at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California for three seasons. [266] Both the Rams and the Chargers subsequently moved to the newly constructed SoFi Stadium , located in nearby Inglewood , beginning with the 2020 season. [267]

Crypto.com Arena , the home venue for the Los Angeles Lakers , Los Angeles Kings , and Los Angeles Sparks .

Los Angeles boasts a number of prominent sports venues, including Dodger Stadium , [268] the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum , [269] BMO Stadium [270] and Crypto.com Arena . [271] Additionally, venues such as the Kia Forum , SoFi Stadium, Dignity Health Sports Park, the Rose Bowl , Angel Stadium , Honda Center , and Intuit Dome are located in adjacent cities and within the broader Los Angeles metropolitan area. [272]

Los Angeles has twice hosted the Summer Olympic Games , in 1932 and 1984 , and is slated to host for a third time in 2028 . [273] This will make Los Angeles the third city, after London (1908 , 1948 , and 2012 ) and Paris (1900 , 1924 , and 2024 ), to host the Olympic Games on three occasions. Los Angeles has submitted 10 bids to host Olympic events to the International Olympic Committee , more than any other city worldwide. [274] In commemoration of the tenth Olympic Games hosted in 1932, the former 10th Street was renamed Olympic Boulevard. Los Angeles also hosted the Deaflympics in 1985 [275] and the Special Olympics World Summer Games in 2015 . [276]

BMO Stadium , the home stadium for Los Angeles FC of Major League Soccer .

Eight NFL Super Bowls have been held in the city and its surrounding areas: two at the Memorial Coliseum (including the inaugural Super Bowl I and Super Bowl VII ), five at the Rose Bowl in suburban Pasadena, California (Super Bowls XI , XIV , XVII , XXI , and XXVII ), and one at the suburban Inglewood, California (Super Bowl LVI ). [277] The Rose Bowl also hosts the annual and highly prestigious NCAA college football game known as the Rose Bowl Game , played every New Year’s Day.

Los Angeles hosted eight FIFA World Cup soccer matches at the Rose Bowl in 1994 , including the final match , where Brazil emerged victorious. The Rose Bowl also hosted four games during the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup , including the final , in which the United States defeated China in a penalty shootout. This match is famously remembered for the iconic image of Brandi Chastain celebrating her winning penalty kick. Los Angeles is designated as one of eleven U.S. host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup , with matches scheduled to be played at SoFi Stadium . [278]

Los Angeles is one of only six North American cities to have achieved championships across all five of its major professional sports leagues (MLB, NFL, NHL, NBA, and MLS). This distinction was secured with the Kings’ victory in the 2012 Stanley Cup Final . [279]

Government

For a comprehensive overview, consult the article on the Government of Los Angeles . Further details can be found in List of elected officials in Los Angeles , and related information is available in Government of Los Angeles County .

The historic Los Angeles City Hall , constructed in 1928, serves as the seat of the Mayor of Los Angeles and the Los Angeles City Council .

Los Angeles operates under a charter city designation, as opposed to a general law city . The current charter, ratified on June 8, 1999, has undergone numerous amendments. [280] The city’s elected government comprises the Los Angeles City Council and the Mayor of Los Angeles , operating within a mayor–council government framework. Additionally, the city includes the offices of the city attorney (distinct from the Los Angeles County District Attorney , a county-level office) and the controller . The current mayor is Karen Bass . [281] The city is divided into 15 city council districts .

The city government encompasses numerous departments and appointed officials, including the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), [282] the [Los Angeles Board of Police Commissioners], [283] the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD), [284] the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA), [285] the Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT), [286] and the Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL). [287]

The City of Los Angeles charter, approved by voters in 1999, established a system of advisory neighborhood councils. These councils are intended to represent the diverse interests of stakeholders, defined as individuals who reside, work, or own property within a particular neighborhood. The neighborhood councils operate with a significant degree of autonomy and are self-determining in nature; they establish their own boundaries, bylaws, and elect their own officers. Approximately 90 such neighborhood councils are currently active.

Residents of Los Angeles elect supervisors to represent them in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th supervisorial districts.

Federal and state representation

Within the California State Assembly , Los Angeles is divided among fourteen districts. [288] In the California State Senate , the city’s representation is split across eight districts. [289] In the United States House of Representatives , Los Angeles is encompassed by nine congressional districts. [290]

Politics

A table detailing the Presidential Election Results in Los Angeles City.

Los Angeles City Presidential Election Results [291] [292]

Crime

For a detailed examination, consult the article on Crime in Los Angeles . Related topics include List of criminal gangs in Los Angeles .

The LAPD on May Day 2006, in front of the new Caltrans District 7 Headquarters.

In 1992, the city of Los Angeles recorded 1,092 murders. [293] The city experienced a significant decline in crime rates during the 1990s and late 2000s, reaching a 50-year low in homicides in 2009 with 314 incidents. [294] [295] This represented a rate of 7.8 homicides per 100,000 population, a substantial decrease from 1980 when the rate stood at 34.2. [c] [296] [297] By 2021, however, murders saw an increase, reaching their highest rate (8.5) since 2008. Nevertheless, by 2024, this rate had receded to 6.1. [298]

In 2015, it was revealed that the LAPD had been underreporting certain crime categories between 2005 and 2012, which had the effect of making the city’s crime rate appear lower than it actually was during that period. [299] [300]

The Dragna crime family and Mickey Cohen exerted significant influence over organized crime in the city during the Prohibition era . [301] This influence reached its zenith during the 1940s and 1950s, marked by events such as the “Battle of Sunset Strip” as part of the American Mafia . However, organized crime activity has gradually declined since then, with the emergence of various Black and Hispanic gangs in the late 1960s and early 1970s. [301]

According to the Los Angeles Police Department , the city is home to an estimated 45,000 gang members, organized into approximately 450 distinct gangs. [302] Among these are the Crips and the Bloods , both African American street gangs that originated in the South Los Angeles region. Latino street gangs, including the Sureños , a Mexican American street gang, and Mara Salvatrucha , which primarily comprises members of Salvadoran descent, along with other Central American descendants, all have their roots in Los Angeles. This prevalence has led to the city being characterized as the “Gang Capital of America.” [303]

Education

Colleges and universities

Key higher education institutions in Los Angeles include:

• University of California, Los Angeles
• University of Southern California
• American Film Institute
• Loyola Marymount University

Within the city limits, three public universities operate: California State University, Los Angeles (CSULA), California State University, Northridge (CSUN), and University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). [304]

Private colleges located within the city include:

• American Film Institute Conservatory [305]
• Alliant International University [306]
• American Academy of Dramatic Arts (Los Angeles Campus) [307]
• American Jewish University [308]
• Abraham Lincoln University [309]
• The American Musical and Dramatic Academy – Los Angeles campus
• Antioch University ’s Los Angeles campus [310]
• Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science [311]
• Colburn School [312]
• Columbia College Hollywood [313]
• Emerson College (Los Angeles Campus) [314]
• Emperor’s College [315]
• Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising ’s Los Angeles campus (FIDM)
• Los Angeles Film School [316]
• Loyola Marymount University (LMU is also the parent university of Loyola Law School in Los Angeles) [317]
• Mount St. Mary’s College [318]
• National University of California [319]
• Occidental College (“Oxy”) [320]
• Otis College of Art and Design (Otis) [321]
• Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-Arc) [322]
• Southwestern Law School [323]
• University of Southern California (USC) [324]
• Woodbury University [325]

The community college system comprises nine campuses administered by the trustees of the Los Angeles Community College District:

• East Los Angeles College (ELAC) [326]
• Los Angeles City College (LACC) [327]
• Los Angeles Harbor College [328]
• Los Angeles Mission College [329]
• Los Angeles Pierce College [330]
• Los Angeles Valley College (LAVC) [331]
• [Los Angeles Southwest College](/Los_Angeles_Southwest_College