State's population grows, but just barely

California sees paltry net increase for third consecutive year after pandemic-era exodus.

- BY TERRY CASTLEMAN

LOS ANGELES County's population inched upward from 2023 to 2024 -- the first gains since the pandemic -- but that trend was reversed this past year.

(ROBERT GAUTHIER Los Angeles Times)

For the third consecutive year, California's population has increased, though the Golden State has still not reached its pre-pandemic population high.

The state's population grew by about 19,200 people, a 0.05% increase from July 1, 2024, to July 1, 2025, according to data released Friday by the California Department of Finance. The previous year's growth was slightly larger but still paltry at 0.58%.

But that doesn't mean people weren't continuing to leave the state.