West LIFESTYLE & PLACE

California Lifestyle Guide

Research-backed state profile for California, including its 2025 population estimate, capital, Census region, leading cities, official sources, and links from the interactive U.S. map.

CAWest

State capitalSacramento

2025 population39,355,309

Annual change-0.02%

Census regionWest

Indexed cities5

About California

California is part of the Pacific division in the U.S. Census Bureau’s West region, with Sacramento as its capital. The Census Bureau estimated the state’s population at 39,355,309 on July 1, 2025. The largest Census places included in this research pack are Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose, San Francisco, and Fresno.

Population snapshot

The July 1, 2025 population estimate is 39,355,309. Compared with the 2024 estimate, the population decreased by approximately 0.02%.

Largest places in this data pack

Los Angeles
San Diego
San Jose
San Francisco
Fresno

How this state index is organized

This page connects the interactive U.S. map to dedicated city profiles, related editorial guides, and future verified lifestyle metrics covering affordability, housing, employment, safety, education, healthcare, transportation, climate, entertainment, and environment.

Research scope: U.S. Census Bureau Vintage 2025 population estimates. Population figures are estimates rather than decennial census counts and may be revised in later vintages.

Best for people who want more jobs, culture and amenities while keeping regional nature within reach.

2025 population555,549Annual change+0.09%

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