California’s First Population Increase Since the Pandemic Struck
Positive Growth Driven by Southern California
California has experienced its first population increase since the pandemic hit, signaling a positive turnaround for the state. According to the California Department of Finance, the state’s population has grown by 67,100 residents, reaching a total of 39.13 million as of January 1. State demographers attribute this growth to legal foreign immigration and natural population growth, resulting from the balance between births and deaths.
Reversal by County Highlights Southern California
An examination of the population growth by county in 2023 reveals a strong influence of the southern region of the state in the overall positive trend. The four counties covered by the Southern California News Group, namely Riverside, Orange, San Bernardino, and Los Angeles, collectively witnessed a combined population growth of 37,086 in 2023. This accounts for a little over half of the state’s total population increase.
While the growth in these counties may seem modest, it is indeed a positive development. Statewide, overall population growth for the year has reached 0.17%, with Southern California counties experiencing 0.21% more growth compared to the rest of the state.
Top 10 Counties with the Largest Population Increases
Among the counties, Riverside saw the largest population increase, with 13,798 additional residents. This accounted for a growth rate of 0.57%, making it the 14th highest in terms of percentage gain. Orange County followed closely, adding 9,770 residents, reaching a total of 3.15 million with a growth rate of 0.31% (No. 21). Likewise, San Bernardino County witnessed a population increase of 8,739, reaching 2.18 million, representing a growth rate of 0.40% (No. 19).
The other counties that experienced population growth include the following:
- San Joaquin: Up 7,505 residents, reaching 791,408, accounting for a growth rate of 0.96% (No. 6).
- Fresno: Gained 6,517 residents, reaching 1.02 million, with a growth rate of 0.64% (No. 13).
- Los Angeles: Increased by 4,779 residents, reaching 9.82 million, corresponding to a growth rate of 0.05% (No. 28).
- Tulare: Grew by 4,238 residents, reaching 478,918, accounting for a growth rate of 0.89% (No. 8).
- Kern: Added 4,135 residents, reaching 910,300, with a growth rate of 0.46% (No. 17).
- Monterey: Achieved a population increase of 3,661, with a total of 437,614, representing a growth rate of 0.84% (No. 9).
- Imperial: Gained 3,258 residents, reaching 182,881, accounting for a substantial growth rate of 1.81% (No. 2).
Largest Population Losses Concentrated in Northern Counties
While Southern California counties showed the highest population gains, some counties in the North experienced population declines. The top 10 counties with the largest population losses include Alameda, San Mateo, Ventura, Humboldt, San Luis Obispo, Sonoma, Marin, Santa Cruz, Butte, and Tehama. The counties exhibited population declines ranging from 766 to 8,787 residents, which correspond to growth rate decreases between 0.25% and 1.11%.
Highest and Lowest Percentage Changes
Among all counties, Sutter County witnessed the highest percentage gain with 1.9%, representing an increase of 1,862 residents, reaching 100,110. In contrast, Mono County suffered the largest population decline, with a percentage drop of 2.5%, losing 332 residents, resulting in a population of 12,861.
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