New state and county migration data was published by the U.S. Census on 12/19/23: State data goes through 7/1/23. Foreign migration continues to rebound, but net domestic migration remains deeply negative, leading to a small decline in total CA population in the last 12 months measured (after adding in the increase from natural growth, i.e. births less deaths). 2023 population data for counties has not yet been released by the Census.

SAMPLE of the 12 Bay Area (+ Sacramento) Migration slides from 12/2023 Census release. Sadly, county migration data always runs at least 2 years behind: This is through 2021 and is the most current data available. In another year, we’ll get 2022 migration data.

Today’s weekly average interest rate reading declined again: “The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage remained below seven percent for the second week in a row, a welcome downward trend after 17 consecutive weeks above seven percent. Lower rates are bringing potential homebuyers who were previously waiting on the sidelines back into the market and builders are already starting to feel the positive effects.” Freddie Mac, 12/21/23

Interesting data regarding the gender pay gap: The gap, of course, is very unfortunate, but at least CA has the smallest gap in the nation. (The Census data uses only the 2 genders in its analyses.)