California | December 17, 2020

California Growth Rate Declines as Exodus Continues

A study by the California Department of Finance found that more people are relocating out of the Golden State than are moving to it. The growth rate, which has dipped to a record low, is also being slowed by the fact that there are fewer births.

California added 21,200 people from July 1, 2019, to July 1, 2020, increasing the state’s population 0.05% to 39.78 million people, which still gives it a sizable lead over other states’ populations. But by comparison, since the April 2010 census, California’s population has grown at an annualized rate of 0.64%.

The new population estimate released Wednesday also shows that 135,600 more people left the state than moved here. That marks just the 12th time since 1900 that California has recorded a net migration loss, and is the third largest ever recorded. California also recorded its third consecutive year of net migration loss.

Some lay blame for the exodus on the state’s taxes and policies, as well as housing costs, though state officials indicate the pandemic and the migration patterns of the state’s large community of international immigrants are more likely the causes.

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About Dennis Kaiser

Dennis Kaiser is Vice President of Content and Public Relations for Connect Commercial Real Estate. Dennis is a communications leader with more than 30 years of experience including as a journalist and in corporate and agency marketing communications roles. He is responsible for Connect’s client content operations and is involved in a range of initiatives ranging from content strategy, message development, copywriting, media relations, social media and content marketing services. In his most recent corporate communications roles, he led a regional public relations effort across Southern California for CBRE, played a key marketing role on JLL’s national retail team, and was responsible for directing the global public relations effort at ValleyCrest, the nation’s largest commercial landscape services company. In addition to his vast commercial real estate experience, Dennis has worked on communications and launch strategies for a number of residential projects such as Disney’s Celebration in Florida, Ritter Ranch in Palmdale California (7,200 homes, 22,000 acres), WaterColor in Florida and PremierGarage in Phoenix. Dennis’s agency background included firms such as Idea Hall and Macy + Associates. He has earned an outstanding reputation with organization leaders as a trusted advisor, strategic program implementer, consensus builder and exceptional collaborator. Dennis has developed and managed national communications programs for Fortune 500 companies to start-ups, both public and private. He’s successfully worked with journalists across the globe representing clients involved in major-breaking news stories, product launches, media tours, and company news announcements. Dennis has been involved in a host of charitable and community organizations including the American Cancer Society, Easter Seals, BoyScouts, Chrysalis Foundation, Freedom For Life, HOLA, L.A.’s BEST, Reach Out and Read, Super Bowl Host Committee, and Thunderbirds Charities.

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