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California Population – California is the most populous state in the United States, with an estimated population of 38.9 million as of September. It is also the third-largest U.S. state by area and the most populated sub-national entity in North America. California is a diverse state, with people from all over the world.
California Population 2024 – Population Structure
No race or ethnic group constitutes a majority of California population. According to the 2020 Census, the racial and ethnic breakdown of California population is as follows:
- Latino: 39%
- White: 35%
- Asian American or Pacific Islander: 15%
- Black: 5%
- Multiracial: 4%
- Native American or Alaska Native: <1%
California is also the most diverse state in the United States by age. According to the 2020 Census, the age distribution of California population is as follows:
- Under 18: 23%
- 18-64: 63%
- 65 and over: 14%
California Population Patterns
California’s population is concentrated along the coast, with over three-fourths of the state’s people living in the Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego metropolitan areas. The Greater Los Angeles and San Francisco Bay areas are the nation’s second and fifth-most populous urban regions.
California Population Growth
California’s population has been growing steadily for many years. Between 2010 and 2020, the state’s population grew by 6.1%. However, California’s population growth has slowed in recent years. In 2020, California’s population grew by just 0.4%, the slowest growth rate since 1940.
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What is the Population of California
There are a number of factors that influence population growth in California. These factors include:
- Immigration: California is a major destination for immigrants from all over the world. In 2020, 27% of California’s residents were foreign-born.
- Domestic migration: More people move into California from other states than move out. In 2020, California had a net domestic migration gain of 60,000 people.
- Births: California has a higher birth rate than the national average. In 2020, California’s birth rate was 12.5 births per 1,000 people, compared to the national average of 11.4 births per 1,000 people.
- Deaths: California has a lower death rate than the national average. In 2020, California’s death rate was 7.0 deaths per 1,000 people, compared to the national average of 8.3 deaths per 1,000 people.
Challenges and Opportunities – California Population
California’s rapid population growth has created a number of challenges for the state, including:
- Housing: California has a shortage of affordable housing, which has made it difficult for many people to live in the state.
- Transportation: California’s transportation system is congested, and the state has struggled to keep pace with the growing population.
- Education: California’s public schools are overcrowded, and the state has struggled to provide high-quality education to all of its students.
Despite the challenges, California’s growing population also presents a number of opportunities. California is a state with a strong economy and a diverse population. The state’s growing population will help to drive economic growth and innovation in the years to come.
California is a diverse and dynamic state with a growing population. The state’s population growth presents a number of challenges and opportunities for the state. California will need to invest in its infrastructure and services in order to accommodate its growing population and ensure that all Californians have the opportunity to succeed.
Rank | City | Population (2020 Census) |
---|---|---|
1 | Los Angeles | 3,898,747 |
2 | San Diego | 1,423,851 |
3 | San Jose | 1,021,795 |
4 | San Francisco | 815,358 |
5 | Fresno | 542,107 |
6 | Sacramento | 523,166 |
7 | Long Beach | 474,140 |
8 | Oakland | 433,031 |
9 | Bakersfield | 398,051 |
10 | Anaheim | 336,265 |
11 | Riverside | 330,063 |
12 | Santa Ana | 329,718 |
13 | Stockton | 311,178 |
14 | Irvine | 311,119 |
15 | Chula Vista | 276,565 |
16 | Fremont | 239,446 |
17 | San Bernardino | 215,784 |
18 | Modesto | 214,547 |
19 | Fontana | 211,815 |
20 | Oxnard | 208,880 |
California Population Decline
California population has been declining for the past three years in a row. In 2022, the state’s population declined by 138,443 people, to 38.94 million. This is the first time that California’s population has declined since 1940.
There are a number of factors that are contributing to California’s population decline. These factors include:
- High cost of living: California is one of the most expensive states to live in the United States. The high cost of housing, transportation, and other expenses is making it difficult for many people to afford to live in the state.
- Outmigration: More people are moving out of California than are moving in. In 2022, California had a net domestic migration loss of 113,000 people.
- Low birth rate: California’s birth rate is below replacement level, meaning that there are not enough births to replace the deaths in the state. In 2022, California’s birth rate was 12.1 births per 1,000 people, compared to the national average of 11.4 births per 1,000 people.
- Aging population: California’s population is aging. In 2022, the median age in California was 37.2 years old, compared to the national median age of 38.3 years old.
California’s population decline is having a number of impacts on the state. For example, it is making it difficult for businesses to find workers and it is leading to a decline in tax revenue. The state is also facing challenges in providing services to its growing population of seniors.
The California government is taking a number of steps to address the state’s population decline. For example, the state is investing in affordable housing and it is working to attract and retain businesses. The state is also working to improve the quality of life in California, in order to make it a more attractive place to live.
California Homeless Population
California has the largest homeless population in the United States, with over 171,500 people experiencing homelessness on any given night. This represents 30% of the homeless population in the United States, even though California has just 12% of the country’s total population.
There are a number of factors that contribute to California’s high homeless population. These factors include:
- High cost of living: California is one of the most expensive states to live in the United States. The high cost of housing, transportation, and other expenses is making it difficult for many people to afford to live in the state.
- Mental illness and substance abuse: A significant portion of the homeless population in California struggles with mental illness and substance abuse. These conditions can make it difficult to find and maintain a job and housing.
- Lack of affordable housing: California has a shortage of affordable housing. This shortage is making it difficult for people who are struggling financially to find a place to live.
- Domestic violence: Domestic violence is a leading cause of homelessness for women and children in California.
The California government is taking a number of steps to address the state’s homeless population. For example, the state is investing in affordable housing and it is providing mental health and substance abuse treatment services to the homeless population. The state is also working to improve access to healthcare and other services for the homeless.
Black Population in California [California Population]
According to the 2020 Census, the Black or African American population in California was 2,282,144 people, or 5.8% of the state’s total population. California has the fifth largest Black population of any state in the United States.
The Black population in California is concentrated in certain areas of the state. For example, the Los Angeles metropolitan area has the largest Black population in California, with over 1 million Black residents. Other areas with large Black populations include the San Francisco Bay Area, the Sacramento metropolitan area, and the Inland Empire.
The Black population in California is diverse. There are Black people from all over the world living in California, including people from the United States, Africa, and the Caribbean. The Black population in California also includes people from a variety of socioeconomic backgrounds.
The Black population in California has made significant contributions to the state’s culture and economy. Black Californians have played important roles in the state’s entertainment industry, technology industry, and government. Black Californians have also been at the forefront of many social movements, including the civil rights movement and the Black Lives Matter movement.
Percentage of Black Population in California
Year (Approximate) | Percentage of Black Population in California |
---|---|
2021 | Approximately 6.5% |
2020 Census | Approximately 6.5% |
2010 Census | Approximately 6.2% |
2000 Census | Approximately 6.7% |
1990 Census | Approximately 7.2% |
The Black population in California faces a number of challenges. Black Californians are more likely to live in poverty and to be unemployed than white Californians. Black Californians are also more likely to be incarcerated than white Californians.
The California government is taking a number of steps to address the challenges faced by the Black population. For example, the state has implemented a number of policies to promote equity and inclusion. The state is also working to improve access to education, healthcare, and other services for all Californians.
The Black population is an important part of California’s diverse community. Black Californians have made significant contributions to the state’s culture and economy. The California government is committed to addressing the challenges faced by the Black population and to ensuring that all Californians have the opportunity to succeed.
California Population By Race
According to the 2020 Census, the racial and ethnic breakdown of California’s population is as follows:
- Latino: 39%
- White: 35%
- Asian: 15%
- Black: 5%
- Multiracial: 4%
- Native American or Alaska Native: <1%
California is the most diverse state in the United States by race and ethnicity. The state’s Latino population is the largest in the country, and California is home to the largest Asian and Pacific Islander population outside of Hawaii.
The racial and ethnic composition of California’s population has changed significantly over the past century. In 1910, the state’s population was over 90% white. However, due to immigration and domestic migration, the state’s population has become increasingly diverse in recent decades.
California’s diversity is one of its strengths. The state’s diverse population brings a wealth of different cultures and perspectives to the state. However, California’s diversity also presents some challenges. For example, the state’s large immigrant population often faces discrimination and barriers to opportunity.
California Counties By Population [California Population]
Rank | County | Population (2020 Census) |
---|---|---|
1 | Los Angeles County | 10,039,107 |
2 | San Diego County | 3,338,330 |
3 | Orange County | 3,169,776 |
4 | Riverside County | 2,470,546 |
5 | San Bernardino County | 2,189,183 |
6 | Santa Clara County | 1,945,940 |
7 | Alameda County | 1,682,353 |
8 | Sacramento County | 1,559,146 |
9 | Contra Costa County | 1,172,170 |
10 | Fresno County | 1,000,918 |
California Losing Population
California is losing its population. According to the California Department of Finance, the California Population has declined for the past three years in a row. In 2022, the state’s population declined by 138,443 people, to 38.94 million. This is the first time that California’s population has declined since 1940.
There are a number of factors that are contributing to California Population decline. These factors include:
- High cost of living: California is one of the most expensive states to live in the United States. The high cost of housing, transportation, and other expenses is making it difficult for many people to afford to live in the state.
- Outmigration: More people are moving out of California than are moving in. In 2022, California had a net domestic migration loss of 113,000 people.
- Low birth rate: California’s birth rate is below replacement level, meaning that there are not enough births to replace the deaths in the state. In 2022, California’s birth rate was 12.1 births per 1,000 people, compared to the national average of 11.4 births per 1,000 people.
- Aging population: California’s population is aging. In 2022, the median age in California was 37.2 years old, compared to the national median age of 38.3 years old.
The California government is taking a number of steps to address the state’s population decline. For example, the state is investing in affordable housing and it is working to attract and retain businesses. The state is also working to improve the quality of life in California, in order to make it a more attractive place to live.
California Population Density Map
As you can see, the most densely populated areas of California are along the coast, in major cities such as Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco. The least densely populated areas of California are in the Sierra Nevada mountains and the Mojave Desert.
The average population density of California is 248.7 people per square mile. However, there is a great deal of variation in population density across the state. For example, the population density of Los Angeles County is 2,376 people per square mile, while the population density of Modoc County is just 2.6 people per square mile
California Population Growth
California’s population growth has slowed in recent years. Between 2010 and 2020, the state’s population grew by just 6.1%, the slowest growth rate since 1940. In 2022, the state’s population declined for the third year in a row.
There are a number of factors that are contributing to California’s slowing population growth. These factors include:
- High cost of living: California is one of the most expensive states to live in the United States. The high cost of housing, transportation, and other expenses is making it difficult for many people to afford to live in the state.
- Outmigration: More people are moving out of California than are moving in. In 2022, California had a net domestic migration loss of 113,000 people.
- Low birth rate: California’s birth rate is below replacement level, meaning that there are not enough births to replace the deaths in the state. In 2022, California’s birth rate was 12.1 births per 1,000 people, compared to the national average of 11.4 births per 1,000 people.
- Aging population: California’s population is aging. In 2022, the median age in California was 37.2 years old, compared to the national median age of 38.3 years old.
Despite the slowing population growth, California is still the most populous state in the United States, with a population of over 38.9 million people. The state is also one of the most diverse states in the country, with people from all over the world.
The California government is taking a number of steps to address the challenges of slowing population growth. For example, the state is investing in affordable housing and working to attract and retain businesses. The state is also working to improve the quality of life in California, in order to make it a more attractive place to live.
California Largest Cities By Population [California Population]
Rank | City | Population (2020 Census) | Land Area (Square Miles) |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Los Angeles | 3,898,747 | 468.7 |
2 | San Diego | 1,423,851 | 325.2 |
3 | San Jose | 1,021,795 | 177.5 |
4 | San Francisco | 815,358 | 46.9 |
5 | Fresno | 542,107 | 114.4 |
6 | Sacramento | 523,166 | 97.9 |
7 | Long Beach | 474,140 | 50.3 |
8 | Oakland | 433,031 | 55.9 |
9 | Bakersfield | 398,051 | 148.9 |
10 | Anaheim | 336,265 | 50.0 |
California Percentage of US Population
Year (Approximate) | California’s Percentage of U.S. Population |
---|---|
2021 | About 11.8% |
2020 | About 11.9% |
2010 | About 12.0% |
2000 | About 12.2% |
1990 | About 11.8% |
1980 | About 11.3% |
Frequently Asked Question
Q: Is California losing Population?
Yes
Q: What is the most popular food in California?
The most popular food in California is a matter of opinion, but some of the most iconic and widely enjoyed dishes include:
- California-style pizza: This type of pizza is known for its thin crust and fresh, local ingredients, such as artichokes, goat cheese, and avocado.
- Cobb salad: This salad was created in Hollywood in the 1920s and is made with a variety of ingredients, including lettuce, tomatoes, bacon, avocado, hard-boiled eggs, blue cheese, and croutons.
- French dip sandwich: This sandwich is made with thinly sliced roast beef that is dipped in au jus and served on a French roll.
- California roll: This sushi roll is made with crab, avocado, and cucumber, and is often wrapped in seaweed and served with soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger.
- Avocado toast: This simple but delicious dish is made with mashed avocado on toast, and is often topped with other ingredients such as eggs, feta cheese, or bacon.
Other popular foods in California include:
- Tacos: California is home to a variety of taco styles, including Mexican-style tacos, Baja-style tacos, and Mission-style burritos.
- Burgers: California is also known for its burgers, which are often made with fresh, local ingredients and served on toasted buns.
- Seafood: California has a long coastline and is home to a variety of fresh seafood, including crab, lobster, oysters, and clams.
- Fruits and vegetables: California is a major producer of fruits and vegetables, and many of the state’s restaurants feature fresh, seasonal produce in their dishes.
Q: How did the gold rush affect California's Population?
The California Gold Rush had a profound impact on the state’s population. Before the Gold Rush, California was a sparsely populated territory with a population of just over 14,000 people. However, within a few years of the discovery of gold at Sutter’s Mill in 1848, the population of California had exploded to over 300,000 people.
The Gold Rush attracted people from all over the world, including the United States, Mexico, China, and Europe. Many of these people were drawn to California by the dream of striking it rich and becoming overnight millionaires. However, the reality of the Gold Rush was much more difficult than most people had imagined. Most miners did not find gold, and those who did often found that it was very difficult to keep.
Despite the hardships of the Gold Rush, the population of California continued to grow rapidly. The influx of people from all over the world made California a more diverse and cosmopolitan place. It also helped to fuel the state’s economic development.
The Gold Rush also had a number of negative consequences for California’s Native American population. The influx of miners led to the displacement of Native Americans from their traditional lands. It also exposed Native Americans to new diseases, such as smallpox, which decimated their population.
Overall, the California Gold Rush had a profound impact on the state’s population. It led to a rapid increase in population, as well as an increase in diversity.