California's population increased 0.6% last year, rising from 39,198,693 in July 2023 to 39,431,263 in July 2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. That makes 2024 the second consecutive year of population growth in the Golden State.
The increases — driven by international migration — are small. In 2023, the state’s growth was just 0.1%. But they’re raising hopes that California could be returning to pre-pandemic levels.
The state’s population declined for the first time in 2020, which led to the loss of a congressional seat. California is projected to lose more in 2030. That's a fate state leaders are desperately hoping to avoid.
Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) Policy Director Eric McGhee is skeptical that California can pull it off. He told KTVU that it would require a return to growth levels seen 15 to 20 years ago. To get there, ““we’ll need to address the affordability crisis that pushes so many Californians away,” said McGhee.
The start of the year has ushered in new laws that seek to do just that.
Senate Bill 1037 stiffens penalties against local governments that block or delay housing development projects. Governments that arbitrarily try to impede new housing will face fines of $10,000 to $50,000 per month. Revenue from the fines will be placed into the Building Homes and Jobs Trust Fund and designated exclusively to supporting affordable housing in the affected area.
Several other laws aimed at fixing California’s housing crisis took effect on January 1. These include Assembly Bill 2835, Assembly Bill 3039, and Assembly Bill 3057.
For now, the exodus of Californians is still a big concern. The population grew last year in spite of domestic migration patterns, not because of them. In 2024, California experienced a net domestic migration loss of 239,575 residents, meaning more people moved to other states than moved in.
The continuing trend showed up in U-Haul’s data. The moving truck company reports that California ranked dead last for one-way traffic inward in 2024. Within the state, U-Haul said the greatest flow went to Merced and Porterville.