California Prisons

POPULATION OF CALIFORNIA: 36,457,549 (2006 ESTIMATE)

The Census Bureau's Population Estimates Program (PEP) produces July 1 estimates for years after the last published decennial census (2000). Existing data series such as births, deaths, and domestic and international immigration, are used to update the decennial census base counts. PEP estimates are used in federal funding allocations, in setting the levels of national surveys, and in monitoring recent demographic changes.

With each new issue of July 1 estimates, PEP revises estimates for years back to the last census. Previously released estimates are superseded. Revisions to estimates for prior years are usually due to input data updates, changes in methodology, or legal boundary changes.