California’s population has increased for the first time since 2019, according to Governor Newsom’s report.

California, the nation’s most populous state, is experiencing a resurgence in its population growth. After a period of decline, the state gained over 67,000 residents in 2023, marking a 0.17% increase and halting a three-year trend of shrinking population. The estimate released by Gov. Gavin Newsom’s administration indicates that California now has more than 39.1 million residents.

The decline in population was attributed to various factors, including increased mortality rates during the COVID-19 pandemic, a drop in birth rates, and reduced international immigration due to the pandemic restrictions and stricter rules under the Trump administration. However, the recent growth signifies a potential turnaround for the state.

While some critics have pointed to residents leaving California for other states due to concerns over higher taxes, a growing homeless population, and housing shortages, the number of people moving out of the state has decreased significantly. In 2023, more people moved out of California than into it, but the gap was narrower compared to previous years.

One factors contributing to the recent population growth is the rebound in legal international immigration, which has historically been a key driver of California’s population growth. In 2023, the state saw a net gain of 114,200 people from international immigration, nearing pre-pandemic levels.

Despite challenges such as budget deficits, high unemployment rates, and layoffs in the technology sector, California’s population increased in 31 of its 58 counties, including major counties with populations over 1 million. Counties like Los Angeles and Orange showed slight growth, reflecting a pattern of population increase in urban areas.

California’s history of population growth dates back to its early days as a state, with waves of migration driven by events like the gold rush and the tech boom. The state’s population had been on the cusp of reaching 40 million in 2019 before entering a period of decline in 2020.

The California Department of Finance regularly releases population estimates based on various data sources, including birth and death records, government program enrollment, and license and registration data. The most recent estimate provides a snapshot of California’s population as of January 1, 2024, offering insights into the state’s demographic trends.

While U.S. Census data from 2023 indicated a lower population figure for California, the state’s estimate accounts for more recent information from sources like driver’s license data and tax filings, providing a more up-to-date view of the population size.