California’s population plummets for first time since the pandemic — as LA sees staggering exodus
California's population declined for the first time since the pandemic, with a net loss of 54,000 residents in 2025. Los Angeles County experienced the largest exodus, losing 64,000 people, while affordability concerns were cited as a primary driver. Housing, grocery, gas, and utility costs in California continue to exceed national averages, prompting many to relocate to lower-cost areas.
- ▪California's population dropped by 0.14% as of January 1, 2026, marking the first decline since the pandemic.
- ▪Los Angeles County lost 64,000 residents in 2025, the highest outflow of any county in the state.
- ▪People who leave California save an average of $672 per month on housing in their new locations.
- ▪California residents pay 11%, 40%, and 61% more than the national average for groceries, gas, and utilities, respectively.
- ▪The average price of regular gas in California was $6.08 per gallon as of the report's publication.
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Metro California’s population plummets for first time since the pandemic — as LA sees staggering exodus By Ross O'Keefe Published May 2, 2026, 3:21 p.m. ET California is bleeding residents for the first time since the pandemic — with more than 50,000 leaving the Golden State last year, a new report revealed. The California Department of Finance recorded a 0.14% decline in population statewide as of January 1, or a net of 54,000 residents. The drop to 39,593,000 total residents “marks the first year of population loss after threeconsecutive years of population increases following the COVID-19 pandemic,” the report said. 3 Los Angeles County led the charge out of California, with 64,000 people fleeing the state’s most populous county in 2025.
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