Most Conservative Cities in California (2025)
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explore the ten most conservative cities in the Golden State.1. Bakersfield: the most Conservative City in California
Bakersfield, located in California’s Central Valley, is famous as the most conservative city in the state. With a strong conservative character and rich agricultural heritage, Bakersfield was the eighth most conservative city in the United States in an August 2005 article by The Seattle Post-Intelligencer.
The city celebrates its conservative identity through various community events, such as the Bakersfield Business Conference and the Kern County Prayer Breakfast, which primarily serve the conservative and religious population.
Bakersfield’s landscape is defined by oil fields and fertile farmlands, creating a unique blend of tradition, agriculture, and political inclination. It stands out as a distinct enclave within California’s diverse landscape.
2. Fresno
Fresno, situated in California’s Central Valley, is recognized for its blend of conservative values and diverse offerings. It is one of the most conservative cities in the state, second only to Anaheim in Orange County, according to studies by The Fresno Bee.
Despite this, Fresno provides a wide range of services and activities to cater to residents with varying interests. The city boasts cultural and recreational attractions, including the Fresno Chaffee Zoo, the vibrant Tower District, and the unique Forestiere Underground Gardens.
Additionally, Fresno offers housing options to suit various budgets, with neighborhoods like Sunnyside and Woodward Park being popular among conservative citizens due to their affordability and strong sense of community.
3. Clovis
Clovis is one of the most conservative cities in California. Located in the heart of Fresno County, Clovis is a city famous for its small-town charm and commitment to traditional values. With a population of 120,124, it ranks as the 3rd most conservative city in the state, where residents have a 38.2% likelihood of being Democrats, a 54.9% likelihood of being pro-choice, and a 44% likelihood of being religious.
Despite its location in the politically diverse state of California, Clovis has established itself as a conservative stronghold. The residents prioritize preserving their community’s traditional values, contributing to the unique atmosphere that distinguishes Clovis. Additionally, the city is recognized as one of the most affordable places to live in California.
4. Simi Valley
Simi Valley, located in California, is recognized as the fourth most conservative city in the state. As the third-largest city in Ventura County, it has an estimated population of 126,380 and a median age of 40.6 years.
In the 1990s, Simi Valley gained national attention for hosting the Rodney King trial, an event that significantly impacted its history. Over the years, the city has maintained its conservative identity.
With a median household income of $99,152, Simi Valley reflects a community that is both stable and committed to its values.
5. Murrieta
Murrieta, a city in Riverside County, has experienced significant population growth in recent years, attracting residents who value conservative principles. Officially established in 1991, Murrieta has developed into a thriving community.
The city offers excellent schools, numerous recreational options, high-quality medical facilities, and expanding job opportunities. Notably, it also has one of the lowest crime rates in Southern California.
Murrieta’s commitment to providing a high quality of life has made it a desirable destination for those seeking both suburban tranquility and a range of amenities.
6. Temecula
Temecula, located next to Murrieta in the Inland Empire region of Southern California, is a city with a population of approximately 110,003 residents. Known for its conservative leanings, Temecula has a unique charm shaped by its rich history and natural beauty.
The Temecula Valley has been a sought-after destination since its early days, thanks to its pleasant climate and picturesque rolling hills, which make it an attractive place for settlement.
Politically, Temecula is part of California’s 48th congressional district in the United States House of Representatives, represented by Republican Darrell Issa, reflecting the city’s alignment with conservative values.
7. Yorba Linda
Yorba Linda, located in the scenic landscape of Orange County, is a city rich in history and marked by a charming small-town atmosphere and strong community ties. With a population of approximately 68,000 residents, Yorba Linda is notable for being the birthplace of President Richard Nixon.
In addition to its historical significance, the city is recognized for its conservative political identity, having once been labeled as California’s most conservative large community.
Known affectionately as the “Land of Gracious Living,” Yorba Linda is not just the birthplace of a president; it is a community that takes pride in preserving its small-town character while fostering a sense of unity among its residents.
8. Villa Park
Villa Park, located in Orange County, is one of the most conservative cities in California. With a population of 5,812, this community consistently supports Republican candidates both in Orange County and statewide.
Since its incorporation in 1962, every Republican presidential candidate has received at least 60% of the vote in Villa Park, reinforcing its reputation as a stronghold of conservative values.
This political landscape is evident in the voter registration statistics, where 66.0% of the 4,533 registered voters identify with the Republican Party, while 17.3% align with the Democratic Party.
9. Redding
One of the most conservative places to live in California is Redding. Located in the picturesque landscapes of Northern California, Redding is a vibrant city with a population of 95,542. It serves as the economic and cultural hub of the Shasta Cascade region, featuring a unique blend of natural beauty and urban amenities.
The city’s iconic landmarks, including the Shasta Dam, Sundial Bridge, and Lake Shasta Caverns, offer residents a diverse range of outdoor recreational opportunities.
In addition to its scenic attractions, Redding appeals to conservative homebuyers in communities like Bella Vista and Palo Cedro, providing reasonably priced housing options and an affordable cost of living.
10. Escondido
Escondido concludes our list of the most conservative cities in California. Incorporated in 1888, it is one of the oldest cities in San Diego County. Known for its conservative values, a survey conducted by The Bay Area Center for Voting Research identified Escondido as the 11th most conservative city in the United States among those with populations exceeding 100,000, based on the voting results of the 2004 presidential election.
The city is also characterized by a strong sense of community, supported by various faith-based organizations and family-friendly spaces. These elements all reflect the deeply rooted conservative ideals that shape Escondido’s identity.
Most Conservative Cities in California: Bottom Line
While California is often associated with progressive politics, the ten cities mentioned above highlight the state’s diverse range of ideas and political beliefs. These conservative enclaves illustrate that within California’s vast landscape, there are communities that prioritize traditional values, family, and a more conservative approach to governance.
If you enjoy exploring California, we highly recommend reading our article on the worst cities in the state. It will help you stay informed about areas that struggle with high crime rates, which you may want to avoid when traveling or considering settling down.
Georges has been working in Wall Street for the last 16 years trading derivatives with hedge funds. He has been an active real estate investor for over a decade. Georges graduated from HEC Business School in Paris and holds a master in Finance from ESADE Barcelona.
