California's population is finally increasing -- thanks to immigration

San Francisco Chronicle / Dec 21, 2024

After shrinking during the pandemic and then stagnating for several years, California’s population is finally growing — thanks to immigration from abroad.

That’s according to two different estimates released this week — within 24 hours of each other. The first is the ’ annual estimates of population growth by state. The second is from the state’s Department of Finance, which estimates population change twice yearly.

Both show that the state is growing, but at different rates: The Department of Finance’s estimate said the state added about 49,000 residents — slightly less than last January’s reading — while the census estimated growth by a more robust 232,000 residents.

Each entity estimates population growth differently: While the Department of Finance marries census household data with state vital records, tax returns and driver’s license records, the census relies on its own annual surveys as well as federal Homeland Security, IRS and entitlement program records. Both estimates get less accurate as the decennial census (last taken in 2020) grows more distant.

Link (paywall): https://www.sfchronicle.com/california/article/population-growth-immigration-19994083.php

During the pandemic, from 2020 to 2021, California lost population for the first time ever, according to the link.

The story continues with If the second Trump administration clamps down sharply on immigration, California’s population could go back into decline as soon as next year. With a population that’s shrunk even as other Sun Belt states continue to boom, California could lose three to four additional seats in 2030.

That's a clear target on the state's back IMO.