Bakersfield has almost 500,000 population. WOW!

Bakersfield (pop. 372,320) is the county seat of Kern County, California, USA. It is one of the fastest-growing, large-population cities in the United States. As of 2007, the population was estimated at 372,320 within the city limits, making it the 11th largest municipality in California and 61st largest city in the nation according to U.S. Census estimates. The greater Bakersfield area has a population of around 468,000, including unincorporated areas, according to local municipal sources. It is California's third largest inland city, after Fresno and Sacramento. The city's economy relies on agriculture, petroleum extraction, and refinement industries.