California, long celebrated for its booming economy, cultural influence, and natural beauty, has faced a notable demographic shift in recent years. The so-called “California Exodus”-a period marked by significant out-migration-has dominated headlines and shaped public discourse. But what do the latest statistics reveal about this trend, and where are Californians choosing to relocate?
The California Exodus: Recent Trends
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated an existing trend of Californians leaving the state. Between April 2020 and January 2022, California lost approximately 360,000 residents, primarily due to domestic migration.
The state’s population dropped below its pre-pandemic peak, with net losses continuing through 2023. In total, California lost about 433,000 people between July 2020 and July 2023, with the largest outflow occurring during the pandemic’s first year.
The reasons for this exodus are clear: high housing costs, steep taxes, and a high cost of living have driven many to seek more affordable lifestyles elsewhere. The rise of remote work during the pandemic further enabled residents to relocate without sacrificing employment.
Signs of a Rebound
Despite the outflow, recent data show California’s population is slowly rebounding. In 2024, the state added 108,000 residents, marking its second consecutive year of growth after pandemic-era declines.
The total population reached 39.53 million as of January 2025, just shy of its pre-pandemic peak. This rebound is attributed to a combination of factors, including increased international immigration, a natural increase (births minus deaths), and a resurgence in some of the state’s largest cities.
However, the rebound is modest compared to growth rates in other states. From 2010 to 2024, California’s population increased by less than 6%, while states like Texas, Arizona, North Carolina, Georgia, and Utah saw increases ranging from 15% to nearly 30%.
Where Are Californians Moving?
The most popular destinations for Californians leaving the state are:
- Texas
- Arizona
- Florida
- Nevada
- Washington
- Idaho
- Utah
- Oregon
These states attract former Californians with lower housing costs, fewer taxes, and generally more affordable living conditions. Texas, in particular, has become a top destination, drawing both individuals and businesses seeking friendlier economic climates.
A notable trend is the migration of college graduates and higher-income households, groups California once attracted in large numbers. Now, even these demographics are leaving, albeit at a relatively small rate (0.4% in 2022–2023). Some Californians are even relocating internationally, with Mexico cited as a destination for those seeking to escape high U.S. inflation and cost of living.
The Demographic Impact
While California’s population is rebounding, the state continues to experience negative net domestic migration-more people are leaving for other U.S. states than are arriving from them. The recent population growth is largely driven by international immigration and a natural increase, rather than a reversal of the domestic outflow.
San Francisco remains an exception to the rebound, continuing to lose residents even as other major cities in California grow. The overall growth rate remains below the national average and far behind key competitor states.
Conclusion
The narrative of a mass California exodus is nuanced. While the state experienced significant out-migration during and immediately after the pandemic, recent data show a slow rebound in overall population, fueled by international immigration and natural growth. However, the underlying issues-high costs, housing shortages, and taxes-continue to drive many residents to other states, particularly Texas, Arizona, and Florida.
California’s future population trends will depend on its ability to address these economic challenges and remain attractive to both domestic and international newcomers. For now, the Golden State’s growth lags behind its rivals, and the outflow of residents-especially among the middle class and college-educated-remains a pressing concern.
Source:
[1] https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-05-01/californias-big-cities-are-slowly-bouncing-back-new-population-data-shows
[2] https://www.gov.ca.gov/2025/05/01/californias-population-increases-again/
[3] https://www.rubyhome.com/blog/leaving-california/
[4] https://www.ppic.org/publication/californias-population/
[5] https://www.highlandernews.org/93646/californias-mass-exodus-and-potential-bounceback/
[6] https://www.ppic.org/publication/whats-behind-californias-recent-population-decline-and-why-it-matters/
[7] https://www.kqed.org/news/12038968/californias-population-rebounding-san-francisco-different-story
[8] https://dof.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/352/Forecasting/Demographics/Documents/E-1_2025_Press_Release.pdf
[9] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_exodus
[10] https://www.latimes.com/opinion/story/2025-04-01/california-population-census-out-migration