California’s population growth has slowed to historic lows, but the state remains one of the most diverse in the nation, with no single racial or ethnic group making up a majority, according to a new report from the Public Policy Institute of California.
“No single racial or ethnic group makes up more than half of California’s residents, reflecting the state’s broad diversity and ongoing demographic change,” the PPIC report states.
As of July 2025, California’s population totaled 39.5 million, keeping it the most populous state in the country by a wide margin. The California Department of Finance projects the population will rise modestly to 39.7 million by 2030 and 40.5 million by 2040, marking a sharp contrast with the rapid expansion that defined much of the 20th century.
The report shows California has experienced its slowest sustained growth rates on record since 2000. Between 2010 and 2020, the state’s population increased by 5.8%, below the national growth rate of 6.8%. That slowdown resulted in California losing a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives for the first time in state history.
The COVID-19 pandemic further disrupted population trends. Between July 2020 and July 2022, California lost 322,000 residents, driven primarily by a surge in people moving to other states. Lower birth rates, higher death rates during the height of the pandemic, and a steep decline in international migration also contributed to the losses.
Since mid-2022, the state has shown signs of recovery. From July 2022 to July 2025, California added 309,000 residents, a growth rate of 0.8%. The rebound has been fueled largely by international migration, which rose to 718,000 net arrivals during that period. Domestic outmigration remains significant, with nearly 1.3 million net losses to other states since 2020.
Population change has varied widely by region. Twenty-one of California’s 58 counties have gained residents since the 2020 census. Riverside County recorded the largest increase, while Los Angeles County experienced the largest population decline. Placer, Madera, and Yuba counties posted the fastest growth rates, while Lassen County saw the steepest drop.
Despite slower growth, California’s demographic profile remains distinctive. Latinos make up 41% of the population, followed by White residents at 34%, Asian American and Pacific Islander residents at 17%, and Black residents at 5%. The report notes that more than half of Californians age 24 and younger are Latino, while a majority of residents 65 and older are White.
PPIC researchers warn that continued sluggish growth could reshape political representation, with California potentially losing up to four congressional seats in the 2030 reapportionment if current trends continue.