San Diego grew last year – but only because of a surge in immigration

Census data shows San Diego eke out a modest population gain in 2024 .

The county’s population now stands at 3,298,799 , which is just shy of the 3.3 million people who called San Diego home just as the pandemic was starting five years ago .

Last year's net growth in international migrants represented the highest level in at least 15 years .

Nearly half of the 58 counties would have seen their populations decline were it not for robust immigration.

The census numbers show that more foreign people have moved to San Diego over time.

But many more do stay, which for now means a valuable pool of what likely will be much-needed workers, experts say.

Many migrants were able to obtain work permits and typically found jobs in restaurants, construction, housekeeping and gardening.

Some demographers and economists say some remain a concern for San Diego County .

Population Reference Bureau : California 's population grew by 0.6% last year .

That was only possible because of a net inflow of 361,057 immigrants, which surpassed the net departure of 239,000 Californians who moved to other states.