Population in California

How many people live here, how it's changing and who they are.

Topics

Dive into each indicator for California.

38.9 M
Total population
1st in the U.S.
97 /km²
Density
37.6 years
Median age
50.3%
Female
49.7%
Male
13.6 M
Households
94.2%
Urban population
21.5%
Under 18
15.2%
65 and older
80.9 years
Life expectancy
Above U.S. avg.
Los Angeles (13 M)
Largest metro
-0.2%
Growth
2020–2023
40.3%
Hispanic or Latino
≈ 15.7 M
33.6%
White (non-Hispanic)
16.3%
Asian
1st in the U.S.
5.4%
Black or African American
4.1%
Two or more races
0.4%
Native American
0.4%
Pacific Islander
≈ 31%
Mexican origin
Largest origin group
≈ 3.5%
Chinese origin
≈ 3.2%
Filipino origin

Historical data

Long-run evolution of the key indicators, so you can see the trend — not just today's snapshot.

Population

18502024
38.9 M 43122%

U.S. Census (decennial), 1850–2020 + estimates.

Hispanic or Latino share

19702023
40.3% 233%

Hispanic/Latino population as a share of the total.

Asian share

19702023
16.3% 482%

Asian population as a share of the total.

Life expectancy

19502023
80.9 yrs 18%

Average life expectancy at birth.

Data table

Total population38.9 M1st in the U.S.
Density97 /km²
Median age37.6 years
Female50.3%
Male49.7%
Households13.6 M
Urban population94.2%
Under 1821.5%
65 and older15.2%
Life expectancy80.9 yearsAbove U.S. avg.
Largest metroLos Angeles (13 M)
Growth-0.2%2020–2023
Hispanic or Latino40.3%≈ 15.7 M
White (non-Hispanic)33.6%
Asian16.3%1st in the U.S.
Black or African American5.4%
Two or more races4.1%
Native American0.4%
Pacific Islander0.4%
Mexican origin≈ 31%Largest origin group
Chinese origin≈ 3.5%
Filipino origin≈ 3.2%

Compared to the United States

Coming soon

Side-by-side comparison of California vs. the U.S. average.

National ranking

Coming soon

The national ranking against every other state will appear here as more states are published.