Williams is a small city in Northern California, located in Colusa County along Interstate 5. It sits in the Sacramento Valley about 50 miles northwest of Sacramento. Williams is surrounded by agricultural land and serves as a convenient stop along the Interstate 5 corridor. The city is also close to the Sacramento River, Colusa National Wildlife Refuge, and several outdoor destinations.
Location Map of Williams, Colusa County, California
About Map: The map shows the location of Williams in Colusa County, in the U.S. state of California.
Williams Map, California
About Williams Map: The Google Map highlights the location of Williams in Colusa County, California. Use the zoom, satellite, and street-view options to explore the city's neighborhoods, roads, and nearby places.
Where is Williams Located?
Williams is a city located in Colusa County, California, the United States. It is in the northern part of the Sacramento Valley, about 50 miles northwest of Sacramento, 20 miles southwest of Colusa, and approximately 35 miles southeast of Willows. Williams lies at approximately 39.154° North latitude and 122.149° West longitude. The city had 4,571 residents in the 2020 Census and covers about 5.45 square miles, or 14.12 square kilometers. Williams was incorporated in 1920 and developed around agriculture, transportation, and the Southern Pacific Railroad. Its location along Interstate 5 has made the city an important stopping point for travelers moving through the Sacramento Valley. The surrounding area is primarily agricultural, with rice, orchards, grain, and other crops grown across the valley floor. The nearby Sacramento River provides important wildlife habitat and supports recreation in the wider region. Colusa National Wildlife Refuge is also close to Williams and protects wetlands and seasonal habitat for migratory birds. Interstate 5 provides the main transportation connection, while California State Route 20 links Williams with Colusa, Clear Lake, and communities farther west.
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Williams City Facts
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| City | Williams |
| State | California |
| County | Colusa County |
| Country | United States |
| Region | Sacramento Valley / Northern California |
| Incorporated | 1920 |
| Founded | 19th century |
| Total Area | 5.45 sq mi (14.12 sq km) |
| Land Area | 5.44 sq mi (14.09 sq km) |
| Water Area | 0.01 sq mi (0.03 sq km) |
| Elevation | Approximately 82 ft (25 m) |
| Population (2023 estimate) | Approximately 4,600 |
| Population (2020 Census) | 4,571 |
| Population Density | Approximately 840 people per sq mi |
| Time Zone | Pacific Time Zone (PST/PDT) |
| ZIP Codes | 95987 |
| Area Code | 530 |
| Major Highways | Interstate 5, California State Route 20 |
| Public Transit | Colusa County transit services |
| Major Attractions | Colusa National Wildlife Refuge, Sacramento River, Williams Historic Downtown, Cache Creek |
| Official Website | https://www.cityofwilliams.org/ |
Distance from Williams, CA to Nearby Cities
- Colusa, CA – 20 miles (32 km)
- Arbuckle, CA – 15 miles (24 km)
- Maxwell, CA – 10 miles (16 km)
- Willows, CA – 35 miles (56 km)
- Winters, CA – 40 miles (64 km)
- Woodland, CA – 45 miles (72 km)
- Davis, CA – 50 miles (80 km)
- Vacaville, CA – 55 miles (89 km)
- Chico, CA – 55 miles (89 km)
- Sacramento, CA – 50 miles (80 km)
- Fairfield, CA – 65 miles (105 km)
- Clearlake, CA – 65 miles (105 km)
- Ukiah, CA – 95 miles (153 km)
- Redding, CA – 120 miles (193 km)
- Napa, CA – 100 miles (161 km)
- Santa Rosa, CA – 120 miles (193 km)
- San Francisco, CA – 125 miles (201 km)
- Stockton, CA – 130 miles (209 km)
Top Attractions in Williams
- Williams Historic Downtown – The city's central business area reflects its railroad and agricultural history and includes local shops, restaurants, and historic buildings.
- Colusa National Wildlife Refuge – A nearby wildlife refuge protecting wetlands, grasslands, and seasonal habitat for large numbers of migratory birds.
- Sacramento River – The major river west of Williams provides opportunities for fishing, boating, birdwatching, wildlife viewing, and scenic recreation.
- Cache Creek Wildlife Area – A nearby natural area featuring river habitats, grasslands, oak woodland, and opportunities for hiking, fishing, and wildlife observation.
- Colusa-Sacramento River State Recreation Area – A nearby recreation area along the Sacramento River offering fishing, boating, picnicking, and wildlife viewing.
- Colusa Casino Resort – A regional entertainment destination near Colusa offering gaming, dining, events, and hotel accommodations.
- Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge – A major wildlife refuge north of Williams known for wetlands, seasonal ponds, and large concentrations of migratory waterfowl.
- Upper Cache Creek Wildlife Area – A larger protected landscape west of Williams with hills, oak woodland, streams, and wildlife habitat.
- Clear Lake – California's largest natural freshwater lake is within driving distance and offers boating, fishing, hiking, and scenic recreation.
- Grimes Arbuckle Cemetery Historic District – Nearby historic landscapes and rural communities reflect the agricultural heritage of the Sacramento Valley.
Airports Near Williams, CA
- Colusa County Airport (O08) – 20 miles
- Sacramento International Airport (SMF) – 55 miles
- Chico Municipal Airport (CIC) – 55 miles
- Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport (STS) – 105 miles
- Redding Regional Airport (RDD) – 120 miles
Sources:
Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the official City of Williams website and local government records.
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