Chapter 4: Population and Consumption

California is known to be one of the most diverse states. The population in 2012 was 38,041,430. In just ten years, California's had an increased of 3,090,016. These numbers are pretty high and it would be higher if people would have not migrated to Texas, Nevada, and Arizona in 1990. Los Angeles county has a greater population than 42 U.S states and it held title for the most populated county in the U.S for decades. Also, as mentioned earlier on another chapter, California's top eight most populated cities in the United States include; Los Angeles, San Diego, Long Beach, Oakland, San Jose, San Francisco, Fresno, and Sacramento.

Although California is a diverse state, the majority of its population is made up of California born residents. Many illegal immigrants contributed to the large amount of population, but since there has been an increase in security at the borders less people have tried crossing to United States. California has the most minority populated group in the United States. About 60% of California's population is made up of minority groups.

According to the pie graph below, in 2000 people between the ages of 25 and 44 made up 31% of California's population. Next, with 23% of population were teenagers and young children ranging from 15 years and younger. People who were 45-64 years old made up 21% of the population. Teenagers and young adults (15-24 years) made up 14% and the elderly (65 and older) made up only 11% of California's population.