SF Gate reports:

The California exodus that’s been declared over and over again isn’t real, according to new figures from the U.S. Census Bureau published this week.

The Golden State’s population grew by 0.6% between July 1, 2023, and July 1, 2024. That’s an addition of almost a quarter of a million people, pushing the number of residents closer to pre-pandemic levels.

Of the state’s 10 largest counties, only Contra Costa County experienced a population decline. Del Norte County had the highest increase in residents, 1.1%, while Plumas County dipped 1.2%.

Read the full article.