California Population Approaching 39 Million

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The latest numbers from California finance officials estimate nearly 39 million people now live in the state.

A report released Thursday by the state Department of Finance says California added 393,000 residents in 2009, pushing the total population on Jan. 1 to an estimated 38,648,000.

Los Angeles, already the most populous city in the state, added 44,000 residents, expanding its population to 4,094,764.

California's second most populous city, San Diego, added more than 17,000 people, growing to 1,376,173.

In Northern California, the Finance Department says San Jose's population grew by more than 16,000, while San Francisco's expanded by nearly 9,500.

Colfax, in Placer County, was the fastest-growing city on a percentage basis. Its population climbed by 5.7 percent.