Fact Check: California is the most populous state in the United States.

Fact Check: "California is the most populous state in the United States."

What We Know

California is indeed the most populous state in the United States. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, as of April 1, 2020, California had a population exceeding 39 million people, making it home to more residents than the combined total of the 21 least populous states. This status is corroborated by multiple sources, including Wikipedia, which lists California as the state with the highest population, and World Population Review, which estimates California's population at approximately 40 million as of January 2025. Furthermore, California comprises nearly 12% of the total U.S. population, highlighting its significant demographic weight within the country.

Analysis

The claim that California is the most populous state is supported by reliable data from various authoritative sources. The U.S. Census Bureau is the primary source for population statistics in the United States, and its data is widely regarded as accurate, despite occasional adjustments for undercounts or overcounts in specific states (U.S. Census Bureau).

California's population figures are consistently reported across multiple platforms, including Data Pandas and Britannica, which both affirm California's leading position in terms of population size. The consistency of these figures across different reputable sources lends credibility to the claim.

In contrast, the second-most populous state, Texas, has a population of over 30 million, which further emphasizes California's demographic dominance (World Population Review). The disparity in population between California and other states is significant enough to validate the claim without ambiguity.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that California is the most populous state in the United States is accurate. The evidence from multiple reliable sources confirms that California's population exceeds 39 million, making it the largest state by population, significantly outpacing Texas and other states.