U.S. Census Bureau data reveals diverging economic and demographic trajectories for California and Utah, as California experiences a slight population decline while Utah sees a significant surge in residents. Recent housing metrics also highlight a widening gap in affordability, with California's median owner-occupied home value reaching $734,700, significantly higher than Utah's median of $489,400.
Diverging Population Trends
California's population has seen a recent downturn, according to U.S. Census Bureau estimates. As of July 1, 2025, the state's population stood at 39,355,309, representing a 0.5% decrease from the April 1, 2020, estimates base of 39,555,703. This marks a notable shift in the state's demographic trend compared to previous decades.
In contrast, Utah has experienced robust growth. According to U.S. Census Bureau data, Utah's population reached 3,538,904 as of July 1, 2025. This represents an 8.2% increase from the April 1, 2020, estimates base, which was 3,271,601. This growth rate underscores a significant demographic shift within the state over the last five years.
Housing Affordability Gap
The housing markets in both states reflect their differing economic landscapes. In California, the median value of owner-occupied housing units between 2020 and 2024 was $734,700. For residents with a mortgage, the median selected monthly owner costs were $2,946, while those without a mortgage reported a median cost of $829. The median gross rent during the same period was $2,036.
Utah residents face a different set of housing costs. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median value of owner-occupied housing units in Utah between 2020 and 2024 was $489,400. Monthly owner costs with a mortgage averaged $2,009, while those without a mortgage averaged $564. Median gross rent in Utah was recorded at $1,496.
Homeownership and Construction
Homeownership rates also show a distinct split between the two states. Data from the U.S. Census Bureau indicates that the owner-occupied housing unit rate in California between 2020 and 2024 was 55.9%. During the same period, Utah maintained a significantly higher owner-occupied housing unit rate of 70.2%.
Building activity remains a key indicator of housing development in both regions. In 2025, California issued 103,856 building permits. Utah issued 26,775 building permits in the same year, reflecting the different scales of construction and development occurring in each state.
Economic and Poverty Metrics
Economic indicators also vary significantly across the two states. California reported a median household income of $99,122 for the 2020-2024 period, with a per capita income of $49,513. The state also reported a poverty rate of 11.8%.
Utah's economic profile shows a lower median household income of $95,166 for the 2020-2024 period, and a per capita income of $40,873. However, the poverty rate in Utah was recorded at 8.3%, which is lower than the rate reported in California.
Demographic Breakdowns
Demographic compositions in both states show unique characteristics. California's population is 50.7% female, and 27.0% of its residents are foreign-born. The state's racial makeup includes 64.6% White alone, 17.5% Asian alone, 17.5% Hispanic or Latino, and 6.4% Black alone.
Utah's population is 49.6% female, and 8.9% of its residents are foreign-born. The state's racial composition includes 87.3% White alone, 17.6% Hispanic or Latino, 3.1% Asian alone, and 1.7% Black alone. Utah's population under the age of 18 is 26.1%, compared to 20.8% in California.
Labor and Education Trends
The differences extend to labor force participation and education. In Utah, the total civilian labor force participation rate for the 2020-2024 period was 69.4%, with 62.4% being female. Utah also reported a higher high school graduation rate of 93.4% for persons age 25 years plus.
California's civilian labor force participation rate was 63.3%, with 58.2% being female. The state's high school graduation rate for persons age 25 years plus was 84.7%. Both states show a similar trend in broadband internet access, with California at 93.5% and Utah at 93.4% of households having a subscription.
