California Cuts Its Population Projection

[bemildred]

California analysts have sharply reduced estimates of the state's future population, and state planners are reconsidering long-term needs for new schools and other public services primarily as the result of an unexpectedly large decline in the birthrate among Latinos.

The state's population will keep growing as the result of two things: immigration, and births continuing to outpace deaths. But the increase will be notably slower than once believed.

Demographic experts now project California's population to hit about 51 million by 2040 ? 7 million fewer than they forecast a few years ago, according to new state estimates. The state currently has about 36 million residents.

So instead of 600,000 new residents a year, officials now project the state will average about 400,000 annually.

LA Times

[NV Whino]

1. There ya go...

We don't need to increase services, we'll just cut population estimates. Brilliant!

[demnan]

2. Anybody know why the latinos are having fewer kids?

Could it be part of the process of assimilation - getting birth control?

If so, I think it will be great for this population, which will find it is a lot more affluent sooner than recently thought.

[BrotherBuzz]

3. I believe education has a lot to do with it.

A lot of young Latino ladies are seeking college, careers, cell phones, and cars. I think we are seeing a growing trend of young people that simply want to enjoy life a bit before they start their families, and accordingly, some see the advantages of smaller families. I guess they are also adopting another aspect of American culture in that they are rejecting the Latin male dominated society that wants them pregnant and barefoot by seventeen. Freedom! Freedom to choose for themselves.

[bemildred]

4. Literacy and urbanization will do it every time. nt