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San Francisco Sees Population Growth for First Time Since Pandemic

After years of decline, San Francisco's population increased slightly in 2023, marking a potential turnaround for the city.

A view of the San Francisco skyline including Market Street, Salesfoce Tower and the Bay Bridge. San Francisco Bay Area’s population continues to ebb with waves of immigration and emigration that people moving in and out of the region for a variety of reasons.
San Francisco has seen its population increase, potentially leading to more people gathering like this at Dolores Park last summer.
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Overview

  • San Francisco's population grew by approximately 1,200 people, or 0.15%, in 2023, reversing a trend of decline.
  • While the city's population growth is modest, it outpaced most of the Bay Area, where other counties continued to see population decreases.
  • The population increase is attributed to a combination of factors, including a decrease in outmigration and a rebound in international immigration.
  • Despite the growth, San Francisco still faces challenges, including high office vacancy rates, business closures, and a population that remains 65,000 fewer than pre-pandemic levels.
  • The overall trend of domestic migration in the U.S. is changing, with more counties experiencing growth, particularly in the Midwest and Northeast, while growth slows in the West.