San Francisco’s Population Struggles to Recover Post-Pandemic

New findings indicate that San Francisco’s population has not bounced back since the pandemic-driven migration out of the city.

According to a report from March, despite advancements in artificial intelligence, the population of the San Francisco metropolitan area did not see growth in 2025. In fact, the latest estimates from the U.S. Census show that, unlike most other major cities nationwide, this region’s overall population is still significantly lower than it was in 2020.

The report details that, as of July 2025, the number of residents in the San Francisco metropolitan area—encompassing the East Bay, Peninsula, and Marin counties—was approximately 2.6% less than in April 2020. Only Los Angeles, with a 2.7% decline, showed a bigger drop among metropolitan areas boasting over 1.5 million residents.

San Francisco has faced severe challenges in recent years, including a rising homelessness crisis, increased crime rates, and a skyrocketing cost of living. Some former residents have shared that they found a better quality of life and more affordable options outside the Bay Area, where issues like homelessness and housing costs are quite significant.

The city is currently attempting to revitalize itself politically, as moderates have displaced progressives from positions of power. This shift has garnered attention from former President Donald Trump, who commended Mayor Daniel Lurie for his commitment to improving the city.

In the 2024 elections, Lurie won the mayorship, defeating incumbent Democrat London Breed by advocating for stricter policies on crime, drugs, and homelessness—policies that critics argue have contributed to the city’s challenges.

Moderate Democrats in San Francisco are now working to counteract the influence of progressive candidates, concerned that such positions could hinder the strides being made in addressing homelessness and crime.

The Chronicle notes that even though San Francisco and San Jose’s population growth has been relatively stagnant, there hasn’t been a drastic decline since the pandemic. Growth in both regions has remained mostly flat or shown slight increases following their low points in 2022. Similarly, population trends in Los Angeles have also been stable.

Additionally, an initiative called Neighbors for a Better San Francisco has raised $10 million to influence local elections, aiming to prevent the re-election of progressives and maintain a centrist approach for the city’s future.