Long Beach, Calif.

Mayor: Bob Foster (to 2014)

City Manager: Patrick H. West

2010 census population (rank): 462,257 (36); Male: 226,520 (49.0%); Female: 235,737 (51.0%); 2010 population breakdown: White: 213,066 (46.1%); Black: 62,603 (13.5%); American Indian and Alaska Native: 3,458 (0.7%); Asian: 59,496 (12.9%); Other race: 93,930 (20.3%); Two or more races: 24,451 (5.3%); Hispanic/Latino: 188,412 (40.8%). 2010 population 18 and over: 347,114; 65 and over: 42,835 (9.3%); Median age: 33.2.

2005 population estimate (rank): 474,014 (34)

See additional census data

Land area: 50 sq mi. (130 sq km);

Alt.: Highest, 170 ft.; lowest, sea level

Avg. daily temp.: Jan., 55.9° F; July, 73.1° F

Churches: 236;

City-owned parks: 92 (plus 5 golf courses);

Radio stations: AM, 2; FM, 2;

Television stations: 8 (metro area)

Civilian Labor Force (PMSA) 2008: 6,611,000¹;

Unemployed: 7.0%¹;

Per capita personal income (MSA) 2010: $25,585¹

Chamber of Commerce: Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, One World Trade Center, Suite 206, Long Beach, CA 90831-0350

1. Los Angeles–Long Beach–Santa Ana, Calif.

Long Beach is the seventh-largest city in California and is situated on San Pedro Bay, south of Los Angeles, in Los Angeles County.

The town was laid out and settled in 1881 by developer W. E. Willmore, who sold lots on the site as a seaside resort community called Willmore City. It was renamed Long Beach for its 8¹/2-mile beach in 1884. The city was incorporated in 1888 and reincorporated in 1897.

Long Beach is a major industrial port, ranked second-busiest in the U.S. and tenth-busiest in the world. In addition to international trade through the port, high technology has also been an important economic engine for the Long Beach area. Major technology and aerospace corporations such as Gulfstream, Boeing, and Laserfiche have large facilities in Long Beach. Boeing continues to be a top employer, with over 7,100 employees.

Tourism is also important to the economy. Major attractions are the RMS Queen Mary, the Aquarium of the Pacific, whale watching tours, and water sports.

See also Encyclopedia: Long Beach.