How Many People Live In L.A. County? Over 9.8 Million
Official population estimates released today in a state demographic report by the Department of Finance show that California's population growth continues at a slow rate and that L.A. County still boasts the most residents. As of July 1, 2011, California is estimated to house more than 37.5 million persons. Between July 1, 2010 and July 1, 2011, the Golden State's population increased by 0.7%. The small percentage translates to 260,000 new residents during the fiscal year.
Why the boost in numbers? According to a Department of Finance release, natural increase continues to be the root of the state's modest population growth. The past year's natural increase of 283,000 is composed of roughly 511,000 births minus 228,000 deaths. Net out-migration reduced the population by 22,000 residents. California opened its arms to about 132,000 new foreign immigrants and waved goodbye to 154,000 domestic migrants to other states during the fiscal year.
The report included a few highlights, which the Department of Finance so kindly included in their release. We've selected a handful to share with you below.
*California has 58 counties. County population totals range from 1,109 persons in Alpine, the least populated county, to over 9.8 million persons in Los Angeles, the state's most populous county.*The state’s nine largest counties, Los Angeles, San Diego, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Santa Clara, Alameda, Sacramento and Contra Costa each have over one million residents. They are home to 70 percent of Californians.
*Riverside, Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, and San Bernardino counties posted the highest numeric population gains and account for over half of the state's growth. Growth in these counties was primarily due to natural increase. Los Angeles County experienced net out-migration.
*Most counties gained population but 18 counties experienced population decline.
*Like the state, two-thirds of the counties experienced net out-migration (more people moving out of the county than moving in).
Read more about the report here.
