California adds 108,000 people in 2024 — Critics say it’s the last thing the state needs

Sacramento, California – California’s population is growing again, marking a second straight year of gains after a multiyear decline during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to new data released Thursday by Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office, the state’s population rose by an estimated 108,000 residents in 2024, bringing the total to just over 39.5 million.

The 1% growth rate reflects a modest but meaningful turnaround for the Golden State, which had faced significant population losses during the pandemic due to outmigration, rising housing costs, and a surge in deaths outpacing births.

State officials attributed the growth to several key factors: births now outnumbering deaths, improved accounting for legal immigration, and an increase in adults aged 65 and older. The state said enhanced immigration data allowed for a more accurate count of new residents entering California from other countries.

“People from across the nation and the globe are coming to the Golden State to pursue the California Dream, where rights are protected and people are respected,” said Governor Newsom in a statement. “Regions throughout California are growing, strengthening local communities and boosting our state’s future.”

The governor also highlighted California’s economic strength as a driver of renewed interest in the state. According to his office, California’s economy recently surpassed Japan’s, making it the fourth-largest in the world — trailing only the United States as a whole, China, and Germany.

Still, critics remain skeptical. Republican leaders in California and beyond have long pointed to the state’s challenges — including its homelessness crisis and steep cost of living — as key reasons why many residents have left in recent years, particularly for states like Texas. U.S. Census data previously showed California-to-Texas migration as the most significant state-to-state movement in the country.

California continues to struggle with affordability. The state ranks among the highest in housing, gas, and utility costs nationwide. These financial pressures have been a driving force behind the exodus during and after the pandemic.

Despite those concerns, the latest figures show growth across most of the state. Nine of California’s 10 largest counties saw population increases in 2024. Los Angeles County, the most populous in the state, added approximately 28,000 residents. Contra Costa County experienced a nearly flat year in the Bay Area, with a net loss of just 24 people. The most significant percentage decline came in Mono County, a rural area near Yosemite National Park, which saw its population shrink by about 1.6%.

While it remains to be seen whether this growth trend will hold in future years, state leaders see the current uptick as a sign of resilience and renewed momentum.

“California is not just bouncing back — it’s moving forward,” Newsom said.