California gained the second-largest number of people of all states between Census Day 2010, and July 1, 2011, according to U.S. Census Bureau population estimates released today. The Golden State gained 438,000 new Californians. Texas had the biggest population gain in the first set of Census Bureau population estimates to be published since the official 2010 Census state population counts last year. The nation experienced a population increase of just 2.8 million to 311.6 million, making for the lowest growth rate since before the Baby Boom. California remained the most populated state in America, with a July 1, 2011, population of 37.7 million, followed by Texas (25.7 million), New York (19.5 million), Florida (19.1 million) and Illinois (12.9 million). The 10 States with the largest numeric increase from April 1, 2010, to July 1, 2011 were: Texas – 529,000 California – 438,000 Florida – 256,000 Georgia – 128,000 North Carolina – 121,000 Washington – 105,000 Virginia – 96,000 Arizona – 90,000 Colorado – 88,000 New York – 87,000 The U.S. Census Bureau will update city, county, state and national population numbers again in 2012. 438,000 NEW CALIFORNIANS! Read more: California Census Estimates 2011