According to data released by the US Census Bureau, the Bay Area has grown 8.5 percent – or 600,000 people – since 2010, making it the fastest growing region in California. Nearly 7.8 million people now live in the Bay Area with San Francisco, Alameda and Contra Costa as the fastest growing counties.

Overall, though, Californa has experienced its lowest growth rate at just over 6% or 2.3 million people as many have left for cheaper alternatives.