High Cost Of Living Blamed For Slowing CA Growth

The population growth rate has decline for the sixth year in a row in California, causing policymakers to voice concern over a future shortage in the state's educated workforce. High costs of living are blamed for the decline.

1 minute read

December 22, 2006, 7:00 AM PST

By Nate Berg

Many have left the state to find cheaper housing and more jobs in other states, according to demographers. Though foreign migration and new births offset the 67,000 who left the state, the growth rate has continued the steady drop it began in 2000. The 2006 rate was 1.25%.

"Even foreign immigration to California -- especially its largest counties, including San Francisco, San Mateo and Santa Clara -- is slipping as immigrants find that other states offer plentiful jobs and cheaper housing, demographic analysts said."

"These changes could leave California without the educated workforce it needs, in part because of the widening achievement gap among California students. The Public Policy Institute of California projects that by 2020, the state's supply of college-educated workers won't meet the state's needs, said institute fellow Deborah Reed."

FULL STORY: California growing more slowly

Thursday, December 21, 2006 in The San Francisco Chronicle

Social / Demographics California

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Start Learning

Advertise with us

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.