California Emigration

A crowded sunny day at Santa Monica beach

California Decline: Population Likely Peaked Three Years Ago

A July projection from the state's Demographic Research Unit indicates that the population in 2060 may be about what it is today.

July 27, 2023 - Bloomberg News

Boise Idaho

Boise Faces Growing Pains From West Coast Migration

As more people head to Idaho to escape cities they cannot afford, Boise is encouraging growth and also grappling with the consequences.

February 1, 2019 - Curbed

Leaving California

California Has Been Shedding Residents—For Decades

The state Legislative Analyst's Office looks at California's out-migration data. Every year since 1990, more Californians left for other than states than arrive. Which states are sending their residents here, and where are Californians fleeing to?

March 3, 2018 - California Legislative Analyst's Office

California's Population Now Tops 39 Million

New figures released by the California Department of Finance show that the state grew by 346,000 (to July 1, 2015). As in past years, the increase comes from natural births and immigration while more left the state than entered.

December 23, 2015 - California Department of Finance Press Release

California's High Housing Costs Drives Out-Migration

Same story, different year, though more data provided on which groups are leaving the Golden State: predominantly workers earning less than $50,000 a year. Conversely, those migrating to California from other states had higher incomes and education.

January 7, 2015 - Los Angeles Times

California's Moderate Population Growth: The New Normal

New demographic data released Dec. 11 by the state Department of Finance shows the state grew by 335,000 people to 38.5 million, nearly one percent, despite a declining birth rate. While the most in six years, the growth rate has slowed overall.

December 13, 2014 - San Francisco Chronicle

Planners Driving Californians Out Of State

In this opinion piece, transportation consultant Wendell Cox explains why residents are fleeing CA in droves. By not providing single family homes Cox feels most want, residents must find their quarter-acre lots elsewhere. He blames regional plans.

April 9, 2012 - The Wall Street Journal - Cross Country

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