Where is Brea, California Located in the United States? - Brea is a city located in the Orange County in California, United States. Brea lies between 33.9167 Degrees North latitudes and -117.9001 Degrees West longitudes.
Location Map of Brea, Orange, California
About Map: The map shows the location of Brea in Orange County, in the U.S. state of California.
Brea Map, California, USA
About Brea Map: This Google Map provides a detailed view with zoom, satellite, and street options to explore the area and its surroundings.
About Brea, Orange County, California
Brea is located in Orange County in the U.S. state of California, United States. It lies in the southern part of the state in the state of the United States within the northern portion of Orange County near the Puente Hills. The city was incorporated in 1917 and was named from the Spanish word for “tar,” referring to the natural oil deposits discovered in the area, and it developed from an oil production town into a residential and commercial suburban community.
Population
According to the United States Census Bureau, the population of Brea is 47,325 as recorded in the 2020 Census, and the population density is approximately 3,900 people per square mile.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, Brea covers a total area of approximately 12.2 square miles (about 31.6 square kilometers), including about 12.2 square miles (31.6 square kilometers) of land and a minimal amount of water area.
Location and Surroundings
Brea is situated east of La Habra and west of Yorba Linda, positioned within rolling hills in northern Orange County. The city features residential neighborhoods, commercial districts, and nearby open space areas and hills. State Route 57 runs through the city, providing a major transportation route connecting Brea to Los Angeles, Anaheim, and other communities across Southern California.
Top Attractions
Brea offers parks, cultural venues, and recreational areas that support tourism and community activities. Popular destinations include the Brea Mall, the Brea Art Gallery, and the Curtis Theatre in the Brea Civic & Cultural Center. The city hosts public art programs, cultural festivals, and community events reflecting its vibrant suburban environment.
Transportation
Brea is served by State Route 57 and nearby State Route 91, offering convenient highway access throughout Orange County and Southern California. Public transportation includes regional bus services connecting the city to surrounding communities. The nearest major airport is John Wayne Airport, located approximately 25 miles to the south.
Explore more cities in California or visit the United States Map section to learn more about the country’s geography.
Sources:
Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the Official Brea City Website.
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Brea City Facts
| City | Brea |
| State | California |
| County | Orange County |
| Country | United States |
| Region | North Orange County |
| Incorporated | February 23, 1917 |
| Founded | 1887 |
| Total Area | Approximately 12.2 sq mi (31.6 km2) |
| Land Area | Approximately 12.2 sq mi (31.6 km2) |
| Elevation | Approximately 361 ft (110 m) |
| Population (2023 estimate) | Approximately 47,000+ |
| Population (2020 Census) | 47,325 |
| Population Density | Approximately 3,900 people per sq mi |
| Time Zone | Pacific Time (UTC-8 / UTC-7 DST) |
| ZIP Codes | 92821, 92822, 92823 |
| Area Code | 714, 657 |
| Major Highways | State Route 57, State Route 90 |
| Public Transit | OCTA Bus |
| Major Attractions | Brea Mall, Brea Downtown, Carbon Canyon Regional Park |
| Official Website | https://www.cityofbrea.net/ |
Distance from Brea, CA to Nearby Cities
- Fullerton, CA – 5 miles (8 km)
- La Habra, CA – 4 miles (6 km)
- Placentia, CA – 5 miles (8 km)
- Yorba Linda, CA – 7 miles (11 km)
- Buena Park, CA – 8 miles (13 km)
- Anaheim, CA – 10 miles (16 km)
- Orange, CA – 12 miles (19 km)
- Chino Hills, CA – 12 miles (19 km)
- Diamond Bar, CA – 12 miles (19 km)
- West Covina, CA – 15 miles (24 km)
- Pomona, CA – 12 miles (19 km)
- La Mirada, CA – 8 miles (13 km)
- Garden Grove, CA – 15 miles (24 km)
- Santa Ana, CA – 18 miles (29 km)
- Tustin, CA – 20 miles (32 km)
- Irvine, CA – 22 miles (35 km)
- Ontario, CA – 25 miles (40 km)
- Rancho Cucamonga, CA – 30 miles (48 km)
- Los Angeles, CA – 30 miles (48 km)
- Riverside, CA – 40 miles (64 km)
Brea, California Climate and Weather Overview
| Month | Avg High (°F) | Avg Low (°F) | Avg Precipitation (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 69 | 46 | 2.8 |
| April | 75 | 52 | 0.8 |
| July | 89 | 65 | 0.1 |
| October | 83 | 59 | 0.5 |
| Annual | 79 | 56 | 14.1 |
| Climate Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Climate Classification | Hot-Summer Mediterranean (Köppen Csa) |
| Annual Precipitation | Approximately 14.1 inches |
| Annual Sunshine Days | About 280 days |
| Severe Weather Risk | Low to Moderate - Heat waves, wildfires in nearby hills and occasional winter storms |
| Annual Snowfall | 0 inches |
Driving Distances from Brea, California
| City | State | Distance (mi) | Approx. Drive Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fullerton | California | 4 | 10 min |
| La Habra | California | 4 | 10 min |
| Placentia | California | 5 | 12 min |
| Yorba Linda | California | 6 | 15 min |
| Diamond Bar | California | 7 | 15 min |
| Rowland Heights | California | 8 | 18 min |
| Anaheim | California | 9 | 20 min |
| Walnut | California | 10 | 20 min |
| Chino Hills | California | 11 | 22 min |
| Santa Ana | California | 18 | 30 min |
Transportation and Connectivity in Brea, California
| Transportation | Details |
|---|---|
| Nearest Airport | Fullerton Municipal Airport |
| IATA Code | FUL |
| Nearest Major Airport | John Wayne Airport |
| Major Highways | California State Route 57, California State Route 90 (Imperial Highway), California State Route 91 nearby |
| Rail Service | No passenger rail in the city; Metrolink stations available in Fullerton and Anaheim |
| Local Transit | Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) |
- State Route 57 provides direct access to Los Angeles, Anaheim and the Inland Empire.
- Imperial Highway (State Route 90) connects Brea with neighboring communities across Orange and Los Angeles counties.
- John Wayne Airport, about 20 miles south, offers extensive domestic and international air service, while Fullerton Municipal Airport serves general aviation.
- OCTA bus routes connect Brea with nearby cities, employment centers and regional transportation hubs.
Key Landmarks and Places to Visit in Brea, California
| Landmark | Type |
|---|---|
| Brea Mall | Shopping Mall |
| Brea Downtown | Entertainment and Shopping District |
| Brea Museum and Heritage Center | History Museum |
| Carbon Canyon Regional Park | Regional Park |
| Craig Regional Park | County Park |
| Brea Art Gallery | Art Gallery |
| Curtis Theatre | Performing Arts Venue |
| Wildcatters Park | Community Park |
| Olinda Oil Museum & Trail | Historic Museum |
| Chino Hills State Park | State Park |
Colleges and Universities in Brea, California
| Institution | Type | Level | Notable For |
|---|---|---|---|
| California State University, Fullerton | Public | University | Business, engineering, education and the arts |
| Fullerton College | Public | Community College | Transfer programs and career education |
| Hope International University | Private | University | Business, education and ministry |
| Western State College of Law | Private | Law School | Legal education |
| Chapman University | Private | University | Business, film, law and health sciences |
| Rio Hondo College | Public | Community College | Technical education and transfer programs |
Waterbodies in Brea, California
Brea Creek, Carbon Creek, Fullerton Creek, Carbon Canyon Reservoir, Santa Ana River, Prado Basin, Tri-City Park Lake, Laguna Lake, Santiago Creek, Irvine Lake.
Golf Courses in Brea, California
Brea Creek Golf Course, Birch Hills Golf Course, Black Gold Golf Club, Coyote Hills Golf Course, Fullerton Golf Course, Los Coyotes Country Club, Friendly Hills Country Club, Anaheim Hills Golf Course.
Brea, California - Key Historical Facts
- Brea was incorporated in 1917 and developed as one of Southern California's major oil-producing communities during the early twentieth century.
- The city's name comes from the Spanish word brea, meaning "tar," reflecting the natural oil deposits found throughout the area.
- Oil production played a central role in Brea's economy for decades, attracting workers, businesses and supporting rapid community growth.
- As oil production declined, Brea successfully transitioned into a thriving residential, retail and commercial center while preserving parts of its petroleum heritage.
- The city became known for its public art program, revitalized downtown district and strong emphasis on parks and community amenities.
- Today, Brea is recognized for its shopping destinations, cultural attractions, business community, excellent public services and convenient location within northern Orange County.
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