Southern California's 'last affordable' region that has seen huge population boom as coastal renters flock to snap up cheap homes

Southern California's 'last affordable' region has seen a huge population boom as coastal renters flock to snap up cheap homes.  

New data revealed that the Inland Empire region of California is thriving, with Riverside and San Bernardino counties collectively adding more than 22,000 people in just last year. 

This trend is driven partly by coastal renters moving inland to purchase more affordable homes, as reported by SFGate. 

Last week, the California Department of Finance published its annual report on population and housing estimates.

Menifee, located in Riverside County, emerged as one of the state's top population growth centers, adding over 2,000 residents in the past year. 

New data has revealed that the Inland Empire region of California is thriving, with Riverside and San Bernardino counties collectively adding more than 22,000 people in just last year

This surge in population has attracted significant interest from real estate investors, causing fluctuations in median home prices across the region

Victorville in San Bernardino County also saw substantial growth, pushing its population to nearly 140,000, surpassing cities like Santa Clara and Berkeley, and approaching the sizes of Pasadena and Orange.

The report does not specify the origins of these new residents and whether they moved from other parts of California or from out of state. 

Nevertheless, these counties now boast 14 cities with populations exceeding 100,000.

This surge in population has attracted significant interest from real estate investors, causing fluctuations in median home prices across the region. 

The average home price in Inland Empire fell 2.5 percent between February 2023 and 2024 to $535,000 - compared to a steep $1.2 million in Los Angeles. 

The report also highlights growth in other areas of the state. Imperial County, on the southern border between San Diego and Arizona, saw several cities rank in the top 20 for population growth by percentage. 

The San Joaquin Valley also experienced a significant increase, with Bakersfield emerging as a key area for new housing.

California grew by some 67,000 people last year, and the crowds are out at Hollywood Boulevard, in Los Angeles 

Menifee, located in Riverside County, emerged as one of the state's top population growth centers, adding over 2,000 residents in the past year (Pictured: Downtown Riverside skyline aerial view) 

This trend, is driven partly by coastal renters moving inland to purchase more affordable homes

Victorville in San Bernardino County also saw substantial growth, pushing its population to nearly 140,000, surpassing cities like Santa Clara and Berkeley, and approaching the sizes of Pasadena and Orange. (Pictured: San Bernardino is a city located in the Riverside) 

Joshua Tree National Park is located in the Inland Empire, which is made up of San Bernardino and Riverside counties in Southern California

The area has attracted residents from Orange County, Los Angeles, and the Bay Area.

Statewide, California's population grew by 67,000, which challenges the persistent narrative of a 'California exodus.' 

The estimate from the state Department of Finance was revealed earlier this month, showing the state's first gain since 2019. 

California has in recent years been dogged by rampant homelessness, drug addiction, and eye-watering living costs that has forced residents out in droves to Arizona, Texas and further afield.

But it now appears that the Golden State may be bouncing back. 

This ends a population decline that's dogged Gov. Gavin Newsom — widely seen as a future Democratic presidential candidate — through much of his tenure.

House for sale in Rancho Cucamonga, CA for $650,0009 

A home in Alta Vista Dr, Riverside, going for $499,999

A home in  Edgewood Pl, Riverside, is on the market for $677,777 

The small increase represents only a growth rate of 0.17 percent.

But officials say it signals a return to steady population growth after years of Covid-19 disruption.

Newsom took a victory lap after the news was released. 

'People from across the nation and the globe are coming to the Golden State to pursue the California Dream,' he said.

On the West Coast, they 'can experience the success of the world's 5th largest economy,' he added.

The population gain is attributed to more people immigrating to California from overseas.

Also, fewer people are dying from the coronavirus pandemic, and fewer are leaving California for cheaper living elsewhere.

This surge in population has attracted significant interest from real estate investors, causing fluctuations in median home prices across the region. Home construction has picked up in California, but costs remain well above the national average

California grew by some 67,000 people last year, its first gain since 2019

More people means more homeless: California has the worst levels of unhoused people in any US state

Legal immigration to California from other countries slumped in the pandemic amid tighter rules under then-president Donald Trump.

It bounced back in 2023 with a net gain of 114,200 people, to nearly pre-pandemic levels.

State officials called it a 'stable foundation for continued growth.'

But that growth will likely be a lot smaller than in decades past, said Eric McGhee, an expert at the Public Policy Institute of California.

'It's going to be better for the state in terms of its total population,' McGhee said.

But California is still set to lose 'more congressional districts in the 2030 census,' he added.

More people still left California for other states in 2023 than moved to California from other states, but it was far less than previous years.

Democratic Gov Gavin Newsom says people are returning for the 'California Dream'

James Gallagher, the state assembly Republican leader, says Newsom should quit 'bragging' 

In 2021 — when coronavirus cases were still surging and more people were working remotely — California lost a net 355,648 people through domestic migration.

Last year, that was down to 91,189, closer to pre-pandemic levels.

Still, Newsom's critics say California is not out of the woods yet.

The state continued to suffer from high living costs, uncertain power supply, a housing and homelessness crisis, and widespread concerns about crime.

The return to population growth does not appear to be a revival of the state's stunning growth streak in the 19th and 20th centuries.

'The governor bragging about that is sort of like the guy who lost thousands of dollars at the casino last night bragging about being up 20 bucks at the blackjack table,' quipped James Gallagher, the Republican leader in the state Assembly.