Is California overpopulated? (San Bernardino, Santa Barbara, Santa Monica: to live in, agriculture, moving)

[RuggedAlpha]

Guys, please go to Google Maps and type in "California," then switch to Earth view. You can see all the developed and natural areas. By my estimation, at least 90% of the state is either wild, protected or rural. The vast majority of the population lives in concentrated areas. As can be seen through the map, most residents live in 6 specific regions:

1. LA County
2. SD County
3. Orange County
4. Riverside County
5. San Bernardino County
6. Bay Area

So California as a whole is not overpopulated by any stretch of the imagination. Now one can argue that these regions are overpopulated. It's interesting though that even within these areas, there is plenty of open space. For example, SD county has tons of natural spaces, such as Anza Borrego State Park. Everytime I drive though ABSP, it feels like I'm the last man left on earth. The size and scope is simply incredible.

High population density in concentrated areas is not really a problem unique to California, but pretty much everywhere. It really comes down to urbanization and its negative consequences. Just look at Phoenix, NYC, Denver, Boston, Las Vegas and even outside US such as Mexicali, Tijuana, Buenos Aires, Beijing, Rio de Janeiro, etc. Urban sprawl has taken root all over the world.

As you can tell, I'm a country mouse and not a fan of living in big cities. I'm perfectly content living in a rural area in CA where I have my personal space. I do love San Diego though.

[NextStage]

Originally Posted by RuggedAlpha

Guys, please go to Google Maps and type in "California," then switch to Earth view. You can see all the developed and natural areas. By my estimation, at least 90% of the state is either wild, protected or rural. The vast majority of the population lives in concentrated areas. As can be seen through the map, most residents live in 6 specific regions:

1. LA County
2. SD County
3. Orange County
4. Riverside County
5. San Bernardino County
6. Bay Area

So California as a whole is not overpopulated by any stretch of the imagination. Now one can argue that these regions are overpopulated. It's interesting though that even within these areas, there is plenty of open space. For example, SD county has tons of natural spaces, such as Anza Borrego State Park. Everytime I drive though ABSP, it feels like I'm the last man left on earth. The size and scope is simply incredible.

High population density in concentrated areas is not really a problem unique to California, but pretty much everywhere. It really comes down to urbanization and its negative consequences. Just look at Phoenix, NYC, Denver, Boston, Las Vegas and even outside US such as Mexicali, Tijuana, Buenos Aires, Beijing, Rio de Janeiro, etc. Urban sprawl has taken root all over the world.

As you can tell, I'm a country mouse and not a fan of living in big cities. I'm perfectly content living in a rural area in CA where I have my personal space. I do love San Diego though.

Thank you!!

It seems that many/most of the posts here about CA make it seem like the entire state is SF/Bay Area and Southern CA/LA/San Diego. It's never ever cold and every city has a population of at least 500K.

The cities definitely have their conveniences. They became cities for a reason. There are still many many parts of California though that are as rural as ABSP you mentioned or resemble small town America in pretty much any state.

I'm from one of those areas. The population of the entire county is under 25K and they're going to be looking at snow at least until late Feb or early March. Jobs are scarce and income is low but the natural beauty and quiet is unrivaled.

[CENTER]Save[/CENTER]

[drewjube]

When I was a kid, California's population was 20 million; it's now 40 million. In my view, the quality of life was better when the population was a lower number.

[CaliRestoration]

I agree. 100,000,000 is no problem. Get rid of the border, any passport requirements, just let everyone flow in.

It's all about inclusion and having a big heart.

[RuggedAlpha]

It seems that many/most of the posts here about CA make it seem like the entire state is SF/Bay Area and Southern CA/LA/San Diego. It's never ever cold and every city has a population of at least 500K.

Ain't that the truth! That is the primary reason why I stopped reading CD CA forums for a while. People have so many misconceptions about CA. It got tiresome to read, especially by people that don't even live in the state :/ It became counter-productive reading posts that had unrelenting pessimism coupled with false facts. I see not much has changed.

[NextStage]

Originally Posted by RuggedAlpha

Ain't that the truth! That is the primary reason why I stopped reading CD CA forums for a while. People have so many misconceptions about CA. It got tiresome to read, especially by people that don't even live in the state :/ It became counter-productive reading posts that had unrelenting pessimism coupled with false facts. I see not much has changed.

Yep. I've actually been a bit surprised in my short time here of the pessimism and false facts you described. For an old bat, I must be pretty naive.

I've occasionally thought it would be interesting to see California rearranged a bit like you would furniture in a living room. Odd thought I know. There are definitely larger businesses in the state though that could profit just as well (if not more) in areas that are currently a bit more remote and less populated. Obviously, they'd need the skilled labor force. I think that could catch up in a relatively short period of time though. I'm fairly certain it's not something I'll ever see in my lifetime but I do believe it's going to happen. Personally I believe that some parts of the US - not just California - are close to the maximum saturation point.

[Californiaguy2007]

So true,even though California is the most populated state in the country we are not overpopulated,but most of the state is undeveloped or preserved land which is a good thing.

And because of the size of California their truly are many areas in the state where you'll literally be the only person around.

The Western U.S from looking at nightview satellite photos will show that we are very sparsely populated out here in the West compared to the Eastern part of the country.

Originally Posted by RuggedAlpha

Guys, please go to Google Maps and type in "California," then switch to Earth view. You can see all the developed and natural areas. By my estimation, at least 90% of the state is either wild, protected or rural. The vast majority of the population lives in concentrated areas. As can be seen through the map, most residents live in 6 specific regions:

1. LA County
2. SD County
3. Orange County
4. Riverside County
5. San Bernardino County
6. Bay Area

So California as a whole is not overpopulated by any stretch of the imagination. Now one can argue that these regions are overpopulated. It's interesting though that even within these areas, there is plenty of open space. For example, SD county has tons of natural spaces, such as Anza Borrego State Park. Everytime I drive though ABSP, it feels like I'm the last man left on earth. The size and scope is simply incredible.

High population density in concentrated areas is not really a problem unique to California, but pretty much everywhere. It really comes down to urbanization and its negative consequences. Just look at Phoenix, NYC, Denver, Boston, Las Vegas and even outside US such as Mexicali, Tijuana, Buenos Aires, Beijing, Rio de Janeiro, etc. Urban sprawl has taken root all over the world.

As you can tell, I'm a country mouse and not a fan of living in big cities. I'm perfectly content living in a rural area in CA where I have my personal space. I do love San Diego though.

[CaliRestoration]

People keep looking at "overpopulation" as if "land" is the ultimate constrictor of growth. It's not about the LAND people. It's about resources. Does California have the money to support 100,000,000 people with the type of entitlement programs and other socialist initiatives the states force feeds down your throat? How much would the tax burden increase in California if 60,000,000 more people were to suddenly start claiming residency in the state? Can you all afford to pay for that increased burden?

[RuggedAlpha]

People keep looking at "overpopulation" as if "land" is the ultimate constrictor of growth. It's not about the LAND people. It's about resources. Does California have the money to support 100,000,000 people with the type of entitlement programs and other socialist initiatives the states force feeds down your throat? How much would the tax burden increase in California if 60,000,000 more people were to suddenly start claiming residency in the state? Can you all afford to pay for that increased burden?

What makes you think that California will reach 100 million people? If anything, all the signs are pointing to a stabilization of population.

[expatCA]

Originally Posted by RuggedAlpha

What makes you think that California will reach 100 million people? If anything, all the signs are pointing to a stabilization of population.

Babies will still be born and immigrants, both legal and illegal will come to CA. The only way it would stabilize would be if more of the residents left than are born and migrate into CA. Don't hold your breath. Plus if it stabilized, taxes would go up for everyone because spending will not go down.

Note that while slowing it is still growing.

http://journal.firsttuesday.us/golde...n-trends/9007/



Now 1% of about 38 million is 380,000 a year. The death rate is about 1/2 that figure.