38.9 M
Total population
1st in the U.S.
97 /km²
Density
13.6 M
Households
94.2%
Urban population
Los Angeles (13 M)
Largest metro
-0.2%
Growth
2020–2023
Historical data
Long-run evolution of the key indicators, so you can see the trend — not just today's snapshot.
Population
1850–202438.9 M▲ 43122%
U.S. Census (decennial), 1850–2020 + estimates.
Data table
| Total population | 38.9 M | 1st in the U.S. |
| Density | 97 /km² | |
| Households | 13.6 M | |
| Urban population | 94.2% | |
| Largest metro | Los Angeles (13 M) | |
| Growth | -0.2% | 2020–2023 |
Compared to the United States
| Indicator | California | United States |
|---|---|---|
| Total population2023, U.S. Census | 38,965,000 | 334,915,000 (national total) |
National ranking
Coming soon
The national ranking against every other state will appear here as more states are published.
Overview
Total population in California stands at about 38.9 million residents, making it the most populous state in the United States. The chart shows the long-run growth from 1850 to today.
Did you know?
- California would be the 36th most populous country in the world if it were independent.