California’s Population Reverses Decline, Southern California Leads Growth Trend

California’s First Population Decline Reversed, Southern California Leads Growth

After experiencing its first population decline since 2020, California has seen a reversal in its demographic trends, with Southern California emerging as the epicenter for growth. According to reports from the Orange County Register and New York Times News Service Syndicate, the state’s population increased by 67,100 residents last year, reaching a total of 39.13 million people.

The growth in California’s population can be attributed to lower mortality rates, as well as a rebound in legal immigration. Public health measures, including widespread vaccinations, have helped reduce deaths in the state, while the easing of restrictions on visas during the final year of the Trump administration has led to an increase in legal immigration.

One of the key factors contributing to the population growth is the changing attitudes towards leaving California. Despite the challenges faced by the state, more people are choosing to stay and make California their home.

The growth in population was not evenly distributed across the state, with 31 of the 58 counties experiencing an increase in residents. The Bay Area, Central Valley, and Southern California’s Inland Empire saw the most significant growth, with Riverside, Orange, San Bernardino, and Los Angeles counties accounting for more than half of the statewide increase.

Efforts to address the housing shortage in California have also played a role in the population growth, with a net gain of new housing units in counties like Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco. The state has also seen an increase in accessory dwelling units, with more than 22,800 granny flats added last year.

While the population growth is a positive sign for California, the state is still down more than 400,000 residents compared to 2020. However, the recent increase in population marks a significant shift from the previous trend of annual declines.

Overall, California’s population grew by 0.17 percent last year, with Southern California counties experiencing even higher growth rates. Riverside County saw a 0.57 percent increase, while San Bernardino County grew by 0.4 percent. Orange County and Los Angeles County also saw modest growth rates.

The population growth in California is a promising development for the state, signaling a potential return to growth and stability after a period of decline. As the state continues to address its housing shortage and attract new residents, the future looks bright for California’s population growth.