What's happened
California's population growth has rebounded, with a net increase of over 67,000 residents in 2023, halting a three-year decline. Factors contributing to the reversal include increased mortality rates during the pandemic, declining birth rates, and reduced international immigration.
Why it matters
The reversal of California's population decline is significant as it indicates a potential shift towards stability and growth for the state. This development could have wide-ranging implications for areas such as housing, healthcare, and economic growth, impacting residents and policymakers alike.
What the papers say
The Newsom administration attributes the population decline to increased mortality rates during the pandemic, declining birth rates, and reduced international immigration. Critics suggest that residents leaving California due to factors like higher taxes, homelessness, and housing shortages also played a role.
How we got here
California's population decline was influenced by various factors, including the pandemic, declining birth rates, and reduced international immigration. The state's first-ever year-over-year loss in 2020 led to a loss of a congressional seat. The recent rebound in population growth may signal a shift in the state's demographic trends.
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