California’s demographic landscape is evolving, marked by a deceleration in population growth primarily due to residents relocating to other states, according to recent Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) analysis.

Despite this trend, recent data indicates a slight reduction in outward migration and a resurgence of young college graduates moving in.

From 2010 to 2023, approximately 9.2 million Californians left for other states, while only 6.7 million moved in from elsewhere in the country. However, the latest figures from 2022 and 2023 show a decrease in the net loss of college graduates and a gain of over 30,000 young college graduates in their 20s.

Housing remains a significant factor in migration decisions. The PPIC Statewide Survey reveals that 34% of Californians have seriously considered leaving due to high housing costs. Since 2014, the state has experienced a net loss of over 700,000 adults citing housing as their primary reason for moving.

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The ability to work remotely has also influenced migration patterns. Among higher-income Californians who left the state between 2020 and 2023, 45% reported working from home, according to the American Community Survey.

While the outflow of higher-income and more educated households is noteworthy, it remains relatively small compared to their overall representation in the state. In 2023, the net outflow of college graduates amounted to only 0.4% of the total number of degree holders in California.

President Trump's administration has been monitoring these demographic shifts closely, recognizing their potential impact on the state's economy and political landscape.

Read more at Public Policy Institute of California