San Diego Leads in Growth as State’s Population Rises 1%

California’s population increased by an estimated 321,000 residents in 1995, an even 1%, to 32.23 million people at the start of this year, state demographers said Friday.

For the third consecutive year, the city of San Diego had the greatest numerical population growth, up 12,900 residents, or 1.2%, to an estimated 1,183,100. Los Angeles increased by 12,300 residents, or 0.3%, to 3,638,100.

Among California’s 10 largest cities, only one, Santa Ana, lost population, down 0.2%, or 800 residents, to 305,800.

Among counties, Los Angeles had the greatest numerical growth, up 42,500, or 0.46%, to 9,369,800.

But on a percentage basis, Fresno led all large counties, up 1.93%, to 760,900, followed by San Diego, up 1.19% to 2,690,300.

The numbers are estimates, based on government records such as tax returns and driver’s licenses, and they are used to apportion state-collected local taxes and for other government purposes. The next census count will be in 2000.

On a percentage basis, the fastest-growing cities and counties were all in rural areas with relatively small population bases, indicating a continuation of population patterns of the last two decades, which showed the greatest growth in Southern California desert communities and in Northern California foothill and mountain communities.

Susanville on the east slope of the Sierra had the greatest percentage growth among California cities, up 20.7% to 14,700; followed by Brentwood, up 14.1%; Blythe, up 11.5%; Imperial, up 9.1%, and Clayton, up 7.5%.

Among counties, Lassen led on a percentage basis, up 8.8% to 31,050; followed by Amador, up 4.6%; Kings, up 4.5%, and San Benito and Del Norte, both up 3.8%.

Only two of California’s 58 counties, Plumas and Siskiyou, lost population, down 0.2 and 0.1% respectively. Among California’s 470 cities, 425 gained population, 42 lost and three were unchanged.

The new figures report 51 California cities with populations in excess of 100,000 and 134 with populations in excess of 50,000.