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California is showing clear signs of demographic recovery after the setbacks of the COVID-19 pandemic. Recent state reports indicate a renewed pattern of population growth, reflecting broader social and economic shifts.
Factors such as natural population increases, legal immigration, and changing regional demographics are contributing to the resurgence. As the state continues to attract new residents from across the country and the world, California reaffirms its status as a dynamic and resilient hub of opportunity.
California's population increased by 108,000 in 2024, bringing the state’s total to 39,529,000 as of Jan. 1, according to new data from the California Department of Finance. This marks the second straight year of population growth following declines during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The growth was driven by several key factors, including a natural increase of 114,805 people, representing the number of births minus deaths. The report also pointed to improved estimates of legal immigration and demographic shifts such as rising school enrollment and an increase in the senior population.
“People from across the nation and the globe are coming to the Golden State to pursue the California Dream, where rights are protected and people are respected,” Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a statement following the report’s release.
The Department of Finance also revised prior years’ figures. California’s population grew by 192,219 in 2023, significantly more than the previously estimated 67,104. Similarly, the 2022 population figure was adjusted from a decline of 53,727 to a gain of 48,764.
Legal immigration played a notable role in the revised totals. Improved data revealed that from 2021 to 2024, there were 277,468 more legal immigrants to California than earlier estimated.
In 2024, 35 of the state’s 58 counties saw population gains. Los Angeles County posted the largest numeric growth, adding 28,000 residents. Regions experiencing the most growth included the Central Valley, Inland Empire, and several coastal counties.
Among the state’s ten most populous counties, only Contra Costa saw a minor decline, losing just 24 people. Together, the ten largest counties now account for 72% of California’s total population.
Lassen County experienced the highest growth rate in 2024 at 2.88%, while Mono County saw the steepest decline at 1.58%.
State officials said the new estimates reflect improved data sources, which allows for more accurate tracking of population dynamics across California.
