New estimates from the State Department of Finance show California had about $37.7 million people last year. Experts originally expected the state to have 40 million people by now, but the great recession has caused a slowdown in births and immigration. Now, the state isn't expected to hit that milestone until 2018.
The nine county Bay Area is now home to about 7.25 million people. It's expected to top 8 million in 2030.
