LOS ANGELES, May 2 (Xinhua) -- California's population grew by 108,000 people in 2024, reaching 39,529,000 as of Jan. 1 this year, according to new data released by the California Department of Finance.
The increase marks the second consecutive year of population growth for the most populous U.S. state, following a period of decline during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The growth was largely driven by a natural increase - the number of births minus deaths - which contributed 114,805 people to the overall population gain. Additionally, from 2021 to 2024, California saw 277,468 legal immigrants settle in the state, further bolstering its population.
"As the fourth largest economy in the world - from the Inland Empire to the Bay Area - regions throughout California are growing, strengthening local communities and boosting our state's future. We'll continue to cut tape, invest in people, and seek real results from government to ensure we build on this momentum - all of which are at risk with the extreme and uncertain tariffs," said California Governor Gavin Newsom.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, California has experienced only brief periods of population loss in its 174-year history. The most significant decline occurred during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, from July 1, 2021, to June 30, 2022, when the state's population decreased by 379,544 people.
