The Abridged version:
- Sacramento, Placer and Yolo counties saw some of the highest rates of population growth across the state, according to fresh data from the California Department of Finance.
- Like the state as a whole, Sacramento County’s population has increased each of the last three years. Contributors include a net increase in births over deaths and immigration from other countries.
- Placer was among a minority of counties in California that had a boost of new residents from other U.S. states.
The Sacramento region is growing. Most of it, anyway.
Newly released data from the California Department of Finance shows three local counties — Sacramento, Placer and Yolo — among the state’s fastest growing areas between July 1, 2024, and July 1, 2025.
As a whole, California gained a little over 19,000 residents in that 12-month period.
This marks the third consecutive year of growth for the Golden State, after the onset of the pandemic saw statewide population decline.
El Dorado County saw a population drop of about 0.24%.
Sacramento region continues to see growth
Twenty-eight counties in California saw a bump in population between 2024 and 2025. Sacramento, Placer and Yolo ranked in the top 10 in percentage increase.
Of the three, Sacramento County had the highest growth, according to state data.
Only one other county — San Diego — gained a higher number of new residents in the last fiscal year.
Sacramento County has experienced an increasing population for three years straight, following two years of decline — similar to the statewide trend.
Where are Sacramento County’s new residents coming from?
Data from the Department of Finance showed the growth resulting from a combination of net births over deaths and immigration. The capital city and surrounding region attract refugees and other immigrants from around the world, with longstanding sanctuary city policies.
Intrastate migrants — transplants from the Bay Area or other parts of California — may be a contributor too, according to the finance department.
Matt Robinson, a spokesperson for Sacramento County, said people likely move here for a variety of reasons, including job opportunities.
“We are an area that isn’t too hot, isn’t too cold,” he said. “We have a very diverse population.”
Placer population gets boost from across the board
Next door, Placer County was one of only three in the state that experienced an influx of not only natural increase (births over deaths) foreign immigrants, but also domestic migration.
Most counties, including Sacramento and Yolo, saw more people leaving for other parts of the U.S. than vice versa.
Placer County netted about 860 more domestic migrants than it lost between July 2024 and July 2025.
Placer County’s population has grown every year for the past five years, according to the Department of Finance, increasing annually from anywhere between 0.5% to 1.6%.
Top ten growing counties, by percent
| 1. Yuba | 0.73% |
| 2. Madera | 0.66% |
| 3. Sutter | 0.62% |
| 4. Merced | 0.56% |
| 5. Sacramento | 0.55% |
| 6. Fresno | 0.52% |
| 7. Placer | 0.51% |
| 8. San Benito | 0.51% |
| 9. Yolo | 0.42% |
| 10. Monterey | 0.41% |
Savannah Kuchar is a reporter covering education. She came to Sacramento to be a part of the Abridged team and contribute to a crucial local news source.