California's Population

When looking at state spending, it is important to know the number of people who might be needing specific services provided by state and local governments. For example, the number of children who will be in school affects the State’s budget for schools and the number of elderly who will be needing health care and nursing home services impacts spending decisions in those areas.

The following charts of changes in the State’s population help put the state’s spending in context.

Figure 18 shows how California’s population has grown over time. The figures for 2010-2015 are estimates and shaded a different color.

^{Figure 18 - Source: Department of Finance}

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The two age groups that use the most in state- and locally-funded government services are children and young adults, and seniors. Figures 19 and 20 show how California’s 18-and-under and 65-and-over populations have grown over time. The figures for 2010-15 are estimates and shaded a darker color.

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^{Figure 19-20 Source: Department of Finance}

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Figure 21 shows the projected growth in California’s population by separate age groups and by total population between 1995 and 2015.

^{Figure 21 - Source: Department of Finance}

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