California has seen its population decline trend come to an end as the state gained over 67,000 people last year, marking the first increase since 2019. The state’s growth has been attributed to a return to the factors that have historically powered California’s growth – strong international immigration, fewer deaths following the pandemic, and fewer people leaving the state for other states. Governor Gavin Newsom expressed his optimism about the state’s growth, highlighting California’s appeal to people from across the nation and the globe.
Despite the modest increase in population, state officials are confident that it signals a return to more normal population patterns after years of disruption caused by the pandemic. Legal immigration to California from other countries rebounded with a net gain of 114,200 people, almost reaching pre-pandemic levels. However, the growth is expected to be smaller than before, raising concerns about potential loss of congressional districts in the next census. While more people still left California for other states in 2023, the number was significantly lower compared to previous years, indicating a shift closer to pre-pandemic migration trends.
The state’s high cost of living, uncertain power supply, housing and homelessness crisis, and concerns about crime have been cited as factors contributing to people leaving California for other states. Despite efforts by Governor Newsom to address the state’s cost of living, including limiting healthcare cost increases and offering discounts on life-saving drugs, California continues to face challenges. The state’s homelessness problem has worsened, while consecutive multibillion-dollar budget deficits add to the financial strain. The Republican opposition has criticized Newsom and the Democratic supermajority for perceived failures in addressing these issues.
Population estimates are complex and rely on various statistical factors to determine the number of people in a specific area at a given time. The U.S. Census Bureau’s estimate reported a population decline of 75,000 residents in California in 2023, while the California Department of Finance’s estimate showed a population growth by the same period. These differences can be attributed to targeting different points in time for the estimates. Despite the challenges, California’s population growth is seen as a positive sign for the state’s future, with a renewed focus on attracting individuals from diverse backgrounds to contribute to the state’s economy and society.
