Located in northwest Orange County and consisting of 1.9 square miles, La Palma is a well-balanced city that prides itself on a responsive municipal government and a strong sense of community. The City's small town character, with a population of 15,568, allows residents to live in quiet and friendly neighborhoods. With one of the lowest crime rates in Orange County, La Palma is a place where residents can rest easy and enjoy hometown living. The City has been ranked one of America’s Best Places to Live by Money Magazine four times. La Palma provides a wide range of services, including police, public works maintenance of streets and parks, recreational activities and events, community development, and administrative services. Fire services are provided by the Orange County Fire Authority. La Palma operates under a council-manager form of government. Policy-making and legislative authority are vested in a five-person City Council. The City Manager carries out the polices and ordinances of the City Council, oversees the day-to-day operations of the City, and appoints department heads.