USA Facts and Figures Homepage

District of Columbia State Population

Over 670,000 residents.

YearPopulation
1910331,069
1920437,571
1930486,869
1940663,091
1950802,178
1960763,956
1970756,510
1980638,333
1990606,900
2000572,059
2010601,723
2020689,545

The District of Columbia, while not a state, has a dynamic population history marked by significant fluctuations. After its establishment as the nation's capital, the city experienced rapid growth, peaking at over 800,000 residents in the 1950s. However, the latter half of the 20th century saw a substantial decline, with decades of "white flight" and suburbanization reducing the population to below 500,000 by the turn of the 21st century. The early 2000s ushered in a dramatic reversal, as urban revitalization efforts, an influx of young professionals, and significant gentrification fueled a sustained population rebound, bringing the current estimate to around 670,000-700,000 residents, a trend that continues, albeit at a potentially slower pace, as the District grapples with the challenges of balancing growth, increasing diversity, and the escalating cost of living.

Data Source: US Census Bureau