Cities and Towns in Glenn County, California
Founded in 1891, Glenn County is one of 58 counties in the state of California. Historically, Glenn County was formed from Colusa. The city of Willows is the county seat. With FIPS code of 21, Glenn County has a population of 28,805 and area of 1,315 square miles (3,406 km²).
List of all cities in Glenn County, CA alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Afton, CA | 95920 | 530 |
| Artois, CA | 95913 | 530 |
| Bayliss, CA | 95943 | 530 |
| Butte City, CA | 95920 | 530 |
| Elk Creek, CA | 95939 | 530 |
| Fruto, CA | 95988 | 530 |
| Glenn, CA | 95943 | 530 |
| Grindstone Creek Rancheria, CA | 95939 | 530 |
| Hamilton City, CA | 95951 | 530 |
| Mills Orchard, CA | 95951 | 530 |
| Newville, CA | 95963 | 530 |
| Ordbend, CA | 95943 | 530 |
| Orland, CA | 95963 | 530 |
| Willows, CA | 95988 | 530 |
Major Cities and Towns in Glenn County, California
Willows
Area, Population, and Geographic Coordinates
- Area: 3.0 square miles
- Population: Approximately 6,293 (as of 2020)
- Zip Codes: 95988
- Latitude: 39.5227° N
- Longitude: 122.1939° W
Location and History
Willows is the county seat of Glenn County, located in the northern part of the Sacramento Valley. The town was founded in 1876 and named after the willows that grew along the banks of nearby streams. Willows quickly developed as an agricultural hub, with its fertile land supporting a variety of crops, including rice, almonds, and walnuts. The arrival of the Southern Pacific Railroad in the late 19th century further boosted the town’s growth, making it an important shipping point for agricultural products. Willows has retained its small-town charm, with a historic downtown area that reflects its rich agricultural heritage. The town’s location along Interstate 5 makes it a convenient stop for travelers exploring the northern Sacramento Valley.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Willows is served by the Willows Unified School District, with notable schools including Willows High School and Willows Intermediate School. The town’s major landmarks include the historic Glenn County Courthouse, built in 1894, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The nearby Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge is another key attraction, offering opportunities for birdwatching, wildlife viewing, and photography. The refuge is part of the Pacific Flyway and provides habitat for thousands of migratory birds each year. Willows’ combination of historical significance, educational institutions, and natural beauty make it a central part of Glenn County.
Orland
Area, Population, and Geographic Coordinates
- Area: 3.0 square miles
- Population: Approximately 8,321 (as of 2020)
- Zip Codes: 95963
- Latitude: 39.7471° N
- Longitude: 122.1942° W
Location and History
Orland is the largest city in Glenn County, located in the northern Sacramento Valley. The city was founded in the 1870s and developed as an agricultural community, with its economy based on farming and ranching. Orland’s growth was significantly boosted by the construction of the Orland Project, a federal irrigation project that provided water for agriculture in the early 20th century. The town is named after Orland, a town in Maine, reflecting the origins of some of its early settlers. Orland has maintained its agricultural roots while evolving into a vibrant small town with a strong sense of community.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Orland is served by the Orland Unified School District, with Orland High School and Fairview Elementary School being the primary educational institutions. The city’s major landmarks include the Orland Arch, a historic gateway that welcomes visitors to the downtown area, and the Glenn County Fairgrounds, which host the annual Glenn County Fair, a popular event that celebrates the region’s agricultural heritage. The nearby Black Butte Lake offers opportunities for fishing, boating, and camping, attracting visitors from across the region. Orland’s combination of historical significance, educational institutions, and recreational opportunities make it a key city in Glenn County.
Hamilton City
Area, Population, and Geographic Coordinates
- Area: 1.7 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,759 (as of 2020)
- Zip Codes: 95951
- Latitude: 39.7427° N
- Longitude: 122.0133° W
Location and History
Hamilton City is a small community located along the Sacramento River, in the northeastern part of Glenn County. The town was founded in the early 20th century as a company town for the Holly Sugar Corporation, which established a sugar beet processing plant in the area. The town was named after J.G. Hamilton, an executive with the company. Hamilton City developed as a close-knit community centered around the sugar industry, which played a significant role in the local economy for many years. Although the sugar plant closed in the 1970s, Hamilton City has maintained its identity as a rural agricultural community.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Hamilton City is served by the Hamilton Union High School District, with Hamilton High School and Hamilton Elementary School providing education to local students. The town’s major landmarks include the Sacramento River, which offers opportunities for fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. The nearby Sacramento River National Wildlife Refuge provides habitat for a variety of bird species and other wildlife, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts. The Hamilton City Community Services District Park offers recreational facilities for residents, including sports fields and picnic areas. Hamilton City’s combination of agricultural roots, natural beauty, and community spirit make it an important part of Glenn County.
Elk Creek
Area, Population, and Geographic Coordinates
- Area: Not formally incorporated
- Population: Approximately 150 (estimated as of 2020)
- Zip Codes: 95939
- Latitude: 39.6049° N
- Longitude: 122.5386° W
Location and History
Elk Creek is a small, unincorporated community located in the western part of Glenn County, near the Mendocino National Forest. The town was established in the late 19th century and developed as a logging and ranching community. Elk Creek is named after the nearby Elk Creek, a tributary of the Sacramento River, which provided water for agriculture and ranching activities in the area. The community has remained small and rural, with a strong connection to the surrounding natural landscape. Elk Creek is known for its scenic beauty and serves as a gateway to outdoor recreational activities in the nearby national forest.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Elk Creek is served by the Willows Unified School District, with Elk Creek Junior/Senior High School being the primary educational institution. The town’s major landmarks include the nearby Stony Gorge Reservoir, which offers opportunities for fishing, boating, and camping, and the Mendocino National Forest, which provides miles of hiking trails, scenic vistas, and wildlife viewing. The Elk Creek Community Hall, a focal point for local events and gatherings, reflects the town’s close-knit community spirit. Elk Creek’s combination of natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and rural charm make it a unique and important part of Glenn County.
Map of Cities in Glenn County, CA
