California's Population Decline Deepens as Domestic Outmigration Continues
2026-04-03
Click Here to Bookmark This Site · tell a friend who's moving or downsizing.
California lost population outright between July 2024 and July 2025, one of just five U.S. states to do so, according to Census Bureau estimates cited in a 2026 migration analysis. The state has ranked dead last, 50th out of 50, on the U-Haul Growth Index for six consecutive years.
The report attributes California's decline to persistent domestic outmigration of roughly 230,000 residents per year, historically offset by international immigration. That offset has weakened considerably: net immigration to California reportedly dropped about 70% year over year, from roughly 361,000 to approximately 109,000, tipping the state's total population into decline.
Separately, a 2026 California housing market analysis put the statewide median home price at $914,810 as of April 2026, with only about 18% of California households able to afford a median-priced home at a 6.54% average 30-year mortgage rate. That affordability gap is described as the single largest driver of rental demand and tenant retention in the state through 2026.
For Californians relocating out of state, right-sizing a truck and storage plan matters more given higher per-mile long-distance costs; see our guide to what determines long-distance moving costs.