May 1, 2024 - News
California's population is growing again
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After three years of population decline, California is growing again.
Why it matters: California became a state in 1850 and gained population every year until 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic, cost-of-living struggles and demographic trends conspired to create the Golden State's first downturn.
Yes, but: Last year's 0.17% growth rate is still below historic norms, and the total population — 39.1 million — lags behind the 39.3 million of 2021.
Zoom in: San Diego, by comparison, shrunk again last year — the county has lost 25,000 residents since 2020.