California’s Department of Finance (DOF) recently reported that the state experienced its largest population increase since 2020, primarily due to immigration. The state’s population had reached 39,128,162 people as of January 1, 2024, marking a 0.17 percent increase. This growth was attributed to factors such as legal immigration, a decrease in COVID-19 deaths, and natural population growth.
Officials from the California DOF stated that the state had seen positive population growth in 2023 for the first time since 2020. They mentioned that immigration processing backlogs had been reduced, mortality rates had returned to normal, and there was a stable foundation for further growth. While net domestic migration had slowed down compared to previous years, California was expected to experience slower but positive growth in the future.
The report also revealed that population growth occurred in 31 counties across California, including the Bay Area, Central Valley, and the Inland Empire. Governor Gavin Newsom highlighted the state’s attractiveness for individuals seeking the “California Dream” and the success of the state’s economy. Despite a temporary decline in population during the COVID-19 pandemic, California’s population was on the rise again.
However, there were concerns about population loss in certain areas, with reports showing that more people were leaving cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles. Border Patrol officials also noted a significant number of migrant apprehensions in the San Diego Sector, signaling ongoing challenges related to immigration.
Additionally, California faced issues with healthcare access as illegal immigrants became eligible for taxpayer-funded health insurance. This development occurred amidst previous population declines, as data from the U.S. Census Bureau indicated a drop in California’s population between 2022 and 2023. Despite these challenges, the state remained a popular destination for individuals looking to build their future in the Golden State.
