New census figures show that D.C. has grown by 2.7 percent just since last year’s decennial survey. And in that 15-month period, the city gained more than 16,000 residents—-more than half of the growth made over the previous decade. (Correction: This post originally said the city had gained nearly 30,000 residents since 2010.)
Mayor Vince Gray, of course, is happy to take a little credit: “We’ve made historic investments in public safety, education, infrastructure, economic development and sustainability, and those investments are now paying dividends.”
This is the first time that D.C. has led “states and equivalents” in growth since the 1940s (granted, the country overall is also seeing the slowest growth since the 1940s).
Full release after the jump.
Census Bureau Figures Indicate District Leading Nation in Population GrowthLatest Estimates Show D.C.’s Population Has Grown by 2.7 Percent Since 2010 Census;Population Growth in Most Recent 15 Months Equals Half of Growth Over Previous Decade(WASHINGTON, D.C.) — Mayor Vincent C. Gray today welcomed the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau confirming that not only investors but also thousands of new residents are choosing to move to the District of Columbia. Census Bureau estimates, released today, of state population changes since the 2010 Census indicate that the District was the fastest-growing state in the country – the first time since the early 1940s that the District has led the nation in population growth by percentage of current population.
According to the Census Bureau, the District’s population as of July 1 stood at 617,996 — an increase of 16,273 new residents since April 1, 2010, when the 2010 Census count concluded. That means the District grew in population by 2.7 percent during a period of 1 ¼ years – handily beating even fast-growing states like Texas (2.1 percent growth over the same period) and Utah (1.8 percent growth). The District’s growth during that 15-month period equals more than half of the city’s growth over the entire previous decade, when D.C. gained nearly 30,000 residents.
“The latest Census numbers support something I’ve said for a long time: The District is a wonderful place to call home,” said Mayor Gray. “We’ve made historic investments in public safety, education, infrastructure, economic development and sustainability, and those investments are now paying dividends. It’s no secret that the District is one of the most dynamic cities in the country and that we have made significant efforts to grow and diversify our economy. It certainly looks like those efforts are working.”
The District’s population increase is due in large part to net migration — new residents who moved to Washington from other states in the United States or from other countries. Net migration, both domestic and international, accounts for 66 percent of the city’s 15-month population increase. The District of Columbia saw a total net migration increase of 10,794 residents. Of that number, 8,334 new residents moved to the District from other regions of the United States.
“These figures confirm that both new businesses and new residents are continuing to choose the District of Columbia – enhancing our tax base and the quality of life for new and longtime residents alike,” said Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development Victor L. Hoskins. “With over $2 billion of District-facilitated development currently under construction citywide, new jobs, new amenities and new community assets will mean the District of Columbia will remain the place to be for years to come.”
“I am delighted about the District’s continued growth,” said Harriet Tregoning, Director of the D.C. Office of Planning, which houses the District’s State Data Center. “I think it reflects the simple fact that every day the District is becoming a more desirable place to live, work, learn and play.”
More information is available on the Census Bureau’s website.
Photo by Mike Hicks