<P> California is the most populous sub-national entity in North America . If it were an independent country , California would rank 34th in population in the world . It has a larger population than either Canada or Australia . Its population is one third larger than that of the next largest state , Texas . California surpassed New York to become the most populous state in 1962 . However , according to the Los Angeles Times , California 's population growth has slowed dramatically in the 21st century . In 2010 , the state 's five most populous counties were Los Angeles County , San Diego County , Orange County , Riverside County , and San Bernardino County , with Riverside County having the largest percentage increase in population . The largest metro areas in California , as of 2010 , are Los Angeles , San Francisco - Oakland - San Jose , San Diego , Riverside - San Bernardino , and Sacramento . Fresno also has a metropolitan area of over one million residents . </P>
<P> California is the most populous sub-national entity in North America . If it were an independent country , California would rank 34th in population in the world . It has a larger population than either Canada or Australia . Its population is one third larger than that of the next largest state , Texas . California surpassed New York to become the most populous state in 1962 . However , according to the Los Angeles Times , California 's population growth has slowed dramatically in the 21st century . In 2010 , the state 's five most populous counties were Los Angeles County , San Diego County , Orange County , Riverside County , and San Bernardino County , with Riverside County having the largest percentage increase in population . The largest metro areas in California , as of 2010 , are Los Angeles , San Francisco - Oakland - San Jose , San Diego , Riverside - San Bernardino , and Sacramento . Fresno also has a metropolitan area of over one million residents . </P>
when did california become the most populous state
when did california become the most populous state
1962
1962