The Valley

The San Fernando Valley is a large valley nestled in the crook of the Santa Monica, Santa Susana, and San Gabriel mountain ranges, in the northwest section of the City of Los Angeles.

The Valley has a population of approximately one and one-half million people -- if it were a city unto itself, the Valley would be the sixth largest city in the United States! It would be larger than San Diego, Detroit, or Dallas. The Valley's population is higher than such states as Hawaii, Maine, and Idaho, and is equivalent to the size of Chicago.

The San Fernando Valley is rich in people resources. Its diverse and talented residents are among the best educated in the country. The history and culture of its people are also of note. The San Fernando Valley Historical Society maintains many documents, photographs, and other important historical artifacts relating to the history of the San Fernando Valley, at the historic Pico Adobe in Mission Hills, California. Give them a visit!

Valley Facts

The Valley spans over 250 square miles

has 128 public elementary schools

has 25 public middle schools

has 17 public high schools

public university: California State University Northridge (CSUN)

3 community colleges (Mission Hills, Valley, and Pierce)

53% of the population is married

48% are 25-44 years old

17% are 65 years and older

56% own their own homes

13% of the adults are retired

85% use credit cards

59% of the population is white, 30% is Hispanic, 4% Black, 3% Asian, 5% Other

45% are college educated

47% of the adults have managerial or professional occupations

Number of Establishments by Employment Size

* 1-4 119,035

* 5-9 39,817

* 10-19 26,965

* 20-49 20,364

* 50-99 97,700

* 100-249 4,129

* 250-499 1,026

* 500-999 363

* 1000+ 226

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