Newsom has some explaining to do.
A new population report is raising fresh concerns about the direction of California under Governor Gavin Newsom, as the state recorded a loss of more than 50,000 residents last year.
The data, released by California’s Department of Finance, shows population growth slowed significantly, with officials pointing to changes in federal immigration policy as a contributing factor. According to the report, reduced levels of legal international migration played a major role in the decline.
State officials described the overall drop as relatively small, noting it represented less than one percent of the total population. However, the findings have sparked debate after Newsom appeared on HBO’s “Real Time” with Bill Maher and suggested California has recently experienced population growth.
Conflicting Messages Draw Criticism
During the interview, Newsom referenced population gains over a multi-year period, prompting critics to question whether his comments aligned with the latest state data.
Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton said the numbers tell a different story.
“The latest report raises serious questions about how state leaders are presenting the data,” Hilton said, pointing to the documented population decline.
Migration Decline Plays Key Role
The report shows legal international migration into California dropped sharply—from 248,400 people in 2024 to 126,400 in 2025. State officials emphasized that migration has historically helped offset losses from residents leaving the state and lower birth rates.
They also noted that without the decline in migration, California could have seen a population increase of roughly 66,000 residents.
Cost of Living Remains a Major Concern
Critics argue that internal issues, particularly affordability, continue to drive residents away.
Corrin Rankin said many Californians are choosing to leave due to rising costs and quality-of-life concerns.
“Housing, safety, and economic opportunity are major factors families consider,” Rankin said. “Those challenges are pushing people to look elsewhere.”
Housing availability remains a key issue. The state added just over 115,000 housing units in 2025—falling short of targets set by state leadership. A portion of new construction came from smaller accessory dwelling units, while wildfire damage reduced overall gains.
Urban Declines, Inland Growth
Several of California’s largest population centers saw declines. Los Angeles and Los Angeles County both reported decreases, contributing to a combined loss of tens of thousands of residents across the state’s largest counties.
At the same time, more affordable inland regions—including Sacramento, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties—continued to see modest growth, reflecting a broader shift in where Californians are choosing to live.
Statewide, 148 cities gained population, while 333 cities recorded declines.
Bigger Picture for California’s Future
The latest report highlights an ongoing debate about California’s economic conditions, housing market, and long-term population trends. Supporters of the current policies point to external factors such as federal immigration rules, while critics argue that state-level decisions are playing a larger role.
As these trends continue, population movement within and outside California is likely to remain a key issue heading into future elections and policy discussions.
