California's latest population report reveals the state remains flat in overall numbers, but certain inland counties are experiencing gains, as young, cost-conscious families relocate for affordable housing. In contrast, coastal counties are seeing declines, with San Francisco and Los Angeles among the biggest losers. Analysis shows that population growth correlates with increased housing units, indicating a preference for regions that support affordable living and employment opportunities, highlighting changing demographics amid a backdrop of pandemic-era challenges.
In the past five years, 11 of these big counties, a decidedly inland-leaning group, had population gains, while 14 coastal counties faced declines.
Merced and Placer saw 4% gains, showcasing how certain inland regions are appealing to young families seeking affordability.
Over five years, population-gaining counties added 225,000 housing units, translating to a 4.6% growth, which is crucial for attracting new residents.
The stateâs overall population has been essentially flat since 2020, indicating a shift in migration patterns towards regions with a lower cost of living.
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