The quake happened at about 21:10 local time on Friday and its epicentre was 1 mile east of the town of La Habra.
There were no immediate reports of significant damage or injuries.
A 4.4-magnitude quake was felt near Los Angeles earlier this month, rattling nerves but causing no major damage.
The latest earthquake was shallow at only 1.2 miles deep, according to the USGS.
It was felt across four counties, from Palm Springs in the east and Ventura County to the north, Reuters news agency reported.
The Los Angeles Fire Department said it was checking buildings and transport infrastructure for damage.
It said the quake was a reminder for people to be prepared.
The San Andreas fault, on the edge of the Pacific tectonic plate, runs directly through California, and the western US state has long braced for a devastating quake.
S2B2R5kY8KMNew York has become the first US city with a congestion charge scheme for vehicles.…
A state of emergency has been declared in the states of Kentucky and Virginia, and…
Sydney has welcomed 2025 with a spectacular fireworks display - cheers erupted as the clock struck midnight…
Following an eight-year legal battle, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt have reached a divorce settlement,…
Former President Jimmy Carter died on December 29 at the age of 100 after spending several…
Georgia’s outgoing president Salome Zourabichvili refused to step down on December 29, saying she was…