The West Coast states – also known as the Pacific Coast -- of the United States are the states that lie along the coast of the Pacific Ocean. The Pacific Ocean is to the west of these states, while the Sierra Nevada, Alaska Range, Mojave Desert, and the Cascade Range lie to the east.
Based on the United States Census Bureau, five states make up the Pacific States region. Those states are:
- Alaska
- California
- Hawaii
- Oregon
- Washington
Based on the last census taken in 2010, the five West Coast states' population was about 47.8 million. According to estimates taken in 2017, the population has since grown to over 51 million people.
The largest city by population among the West Coast states is Los Angeles. California's largest city has an estimated population of nearly 4 million people. The next most populous cities are also located in California: San Diego, Santa Clara, San Francisco. Alaska has the West Coast and country's four largest cities by area: Sitka (2,8770.3 mi²), Juneau (2,701.9 mi²), Wrangell (2,542.5 mi²), and Anchorage (1,704.7 mi²)
Outside of California, the most populated cities on the West Coast are Seattle, Washington; Portland, Oregon; Fresno, California; and Sacramento, California. However, only the top three most populous cities – Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Jose – have populations that exceed 1 million.
The West Coast is known for its beautiful beaches, thriving cities, and a young, diverse population.