Los Angeles County’s population might surprise you. As of January 1, 2022, LA County was home to 9,861,224 people. This staggering number makes it more populous than 39 US states. If LA County were its own state, it would be the 11th largest in the US, falling between Michigan and New Jersey in population size.
LA County’s Population: A Visual Comparison
A map recently circulating on social media highlights this fact, visually demonstrating how LA County’s population dwarfs that of many states. The map quickly gained traction, garnering over 84,000 upvotes on Reddit and nearly 10,000 retweets on Twitter.
A map visualizing how many states have fewer residents than Los Angeles County.
California’s Population Dominance
California itself boasts the highest population in the US, surpassing its closest competitor, Texas, by almost 10 million residents. California houses one in eight Americans, showcasing its significant influence on national trends. This density underscores the saying, “As California goes, so goes the nation,” emphasizing the state’s role in pioneering policies related to civil rights, sustainable energy, and addressing inequality. However, California also grapples with a large concentration of billionaires and a disproportionate share of the nation’s homeless population.
The Imbalance of Power
Despite their smaller populations, states with less than a quarter of California’s residents hold the same number of US Senators – two. This imbalance between population and political representation isn’t new. Historically, New York held the largest population until California surpassed it in 1962.
Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva and his wife, who some say holds influence within the Sheriff’s Department.
The Partisan Shift
What’s changed is the increasingly reliable Republican voting patterns in smaller states, creating a partisan dimension to this population disparity. While not all small states lean Republican, states like Wyoming, Nebraska, North and South Dakota, and Alaska consistently vote Republican, amplifying the impact of this imbalance. Furthermore, California’s “winner takes all” political system often silences minority voices, leading to feelings of exclusion and disenfranchisement, particularly among Republicans in the state.
A Glendale teacher transferred for showing pro-LGBTQ+ videos in her classroom.
LA County’s Size: More Than Just a Number
LA County’s massive population underscores its significance not just within California, but nationally. Its size influences political representation, policy trends, and economic power, making it a crucial player in the American landscape. The county’s sheer scale highlights the complex relationship between population size and political influence in the United States. Understanding this dynamic is crucial for comprehending the complexities of American governance and societal trends. While LA County may not be a state, its population size rivals that of many, underscoring its significant impact on the nation.
