The state’s capital is the fastest growing big city in California, according to the California Department of Finance. Monday’s report said Sacramento experienced a 1.4 percent increase in its population last year, adding 6,900 new residents. By comparison, the state’s population grew by just 0.85 percent or by 335,000 new residents.
KCRA delves into some of the reasons for Sacramento’s recent boom. They include a healthy job market and competitive housing prices.
But Sacramento is going to have to build more if it wishes to keep up with population growth. Senior city planner Greg Sandlund says housing is at an all-time low, although that appears to be changing. The city needs to add more than 3,000 homes each year to meet projections, he said.
The entire area surrounding Sacramento is witnessing similar growth. According to the state figures, the counties of Amador, Placer and Yolo experienced the greatest growth in 2016. Riverside and San Joaquin followed.