California State Population

America's most populous state.

California has historically been defined by rapid population growth, making it the most populous state in the U.S. From the explosive influx during the 1849 Gold Rush to the post-World War II economic boom fueled by defense industries and suburbanization, the state's population surged, driven by both domestic and international migration. This consistent expansion led California to become, and remain, the nation's largest state by population, surpassing 39 million residents. However, recent years have marked a significant shift; after decades of continuous increase, the state has experienced its first sustained population decline in its modern history, primarily due to factors like high cost of living, housing unaffordability, and a net outward migration to more affordable states, particularly during the early 2020s, presenting a new demographic reality for the Golden State.

Data Source: US Census Bureau