San Francisco’s Population Decline Continues
A recent report indicates that San Francisco’s population hasn’t bounced back since the pandemic. It’s surprising, especially given the booming AI industry nearby.
The San Francisco Chronicle noted that “the population of the San Francisco metropolitan area didn’t grow again in 2025,” as stated in findings released in March.
Curiously, this area, which includes parts of East Bay, Peninsula, and Marin counties, is still 2.6% below the population levels of April 2020. Only Los Angeles, with a 2.7% decline, mirrored such decreases among major metropolitan areas with over 1.5 million residents, according to newly available U.S. Census estimates.
San Francisco faces several challenges, such as a serious homelessness issue, increasing crime rates, and the constantly rising cost of living. It seems that former residents have found a better quality of life—and more affordable living—outside of the Bay Area.
The city appears to be undergoing some political changes, attempting to shift its leadership dynamics, specifically after moderates recently took control from progressives.
Interestingly, even President Donald Trump has shown interest in the city’s efforts, commending Mayor Daniel Lurie’s initiatives aimed at revitalizing San Francisco.
Lurie, who won the mayoral election in 2024, triumphed over incumbent Democrat London Breed. His campaign focused on addressing the leniency towards crime and homelessness that critics argue has exacerbated the city’s problems.
Moderates within San Francisco’s Democratic Party seem increasingly wary about progressive candidates, concerned that a resurgence of left-leaning politicians could undo the progress made over the past four years amidst rising crime and homelessness.
However, while the population hasn’t experienced a steep decline, the overall growth in the Bay Area, particularly for the San Francisco and San Jose metropolitan areas, has remained relatively stable, showing slight increases since the lows of 2022. Indeed, the changes observed in Los Angeles are similarly flat.
Recently, Politico reported that a group called Neighbors for a Better San Francisco managed to gather $10 million to influence local elections, aiming to maintain a centrist political path within the city.
