It took about 100 years to reach the 10 million mark, but since then California has been adding 10 million people every 20 years. California's population was growing over 2 percent annually prior to the recession of the early 1990s. However, during the recession population growth slowed considerably. In contrast, domestic net in-migration is volatile, being positive when our economy is strong and negative when it is weak. Outflows exceeded 300,000 annually during the recession, but modest inflows now exist.
Density varies widely by county, however.
California also is more urbanized than any other state. Over 90 percent of its people live in urban areas. Through 2000 Over the past five years, California's population grew by 2.4 million. Although less-dense inland counties tend to be growing the most in percentage terms, the larger, more urbanized counties are adding the most people. For example, Los Angeles, Orange, and San Diego Counties accounted for 43 percent of statewide growth since 1995.