California's population has grown by 215,000 people and inches toward 40 million, according to the state announcement on Friday.

The population of California, the most populous state in the United States, hit 39.8 million as of July 1, 2018, according to numbers released Friday.

The population growth was driven by about 200,000 more births than deaths and a net migration of 21,000, meaning more people came to the state than left, according to local media reports.

The highest growth rates were in inland counties such as Amador, Placer and Merced. Some counties in rural areas as well as Sonoma and Napa counties in wine country saw their populations decline.

Los Angeles County remains the state's most populous county at nearly 10.3 million people.

The population estimates come as the state and the country prepare for a new census count in 2020. California has added 2.6 million people since the 2010 census.

California's population far exceeds that of any other state. Texas is the second most populous state at nearly 29 million, followed by Florida and New York, according to media reports.