Washington Dc Demographics

The 2005 Census Bureau estimate of the city's population was 582,049. After the city government questioned the original results—an estimate of 550,521—the Census Bureau revised the estimate.[31] The revised figure marked the first increase in the city's population since 1950.

As of the 2000 Census, there were 572,059 people, 248,338 households, and 114,235 families residing in the city. The population density was 9,316.4 per square mile (3,597.3/km²). There were 274,845 housing units at an average density of 1,728.3/km² (4,476.1/mi²). The largest Hispanic group is Salvadoran, accounting for an estimated 18,505 of Washington's 45,901 Hispanic population.[32] D.C. has a steadily declining African American population, due to many middle-class and professional African Americans moving to the suburbs, mostly in Maryland (for example, the African American majority in wealthy Prince George's County) and Northern Virginia, Baltimore, and Richmond, aggravated by the rising cost of living in the area.[33]

There were 248,338 households, out of which 19.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 22.8% were married couples living together, 18.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 54.0% were non-families. 43.8% of all households were made up of individuals and 10.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.16 and the average family size was 3.07.

In the city, the population was spread out with 20.1% under the age of 18, 12.7% from 18 to 24, 33.1% from 25 to 44, 21.9% from 45 to 64, and 12.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females there were 89.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.1 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $40,127, and the median income for a family was $46,283. Males had a median income of $40,513 versus $36,361 for females. The per capita income for the city was $28,659. About 16.7% of families and 20.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 31.1% of those under age 18 and 16.4% of those over age 65. According to Forbes magazine it is also the 9th wealthiest city in the country based on a median household income, with over half of its residents having an income of $46,500 a year, and the average home price being at $429,900.[34]

A 2007 report found that approximately one third of the population in Washington, D.C. is functionally illiterate, compared to a rate of about one fifth nationally.[35] One of the primary reasons attributed to this is the high growing number of Hispanic and Ethiopian immigrants who number 170,000 people in the city. Many tend to not be proficient in English.[35] This shows huge disparities in the city because over 45% of residents have a college degree or higher and it ranks 4th in the nation with that educational attainment.[36] A 2000 study shows that 83.42% of Washington, D.C. residents age 5 and older speak only English at home and 9.18% speak Spanish. French is the third most spoken language at 1.67%.[37]

According to the 2001 American Religious Identification Survey, nearly three out of four District residents identified themselves as Christian.[38] This breaks down to 72% Christian (27% Catholic, 19% Baptist, and 26% other Protestant churches), 13% stating no religion, 4% Buddhist, 2% Muslim and 1% Jewish.

According to the Census Bureau, the District's daytime population is estimated at 982,853.[39] The influx of over 410,000 workers into Washington on a normal business day comprises a 72% increase of the capital's normal population. That is the largest increase percentage-wise of any city studied and the second-largest net increase, behind only New York City.

The Greater Washington metropolitan area, including contiguous areas of Maryland and Virginia, had an estimated population of 5.8 million in 2003, according to the estimates of the Greater Washington Initiative.

As host to over 180 embassies and hundreds of international organizations, Washington, D.C. has a substantial population of foreign residents. There are also many students from abroad studying at the local universities and colleges. This adds a cosmopolitan flavor to the city.

Mount Pleasant Farmer's Market

"Friendship Arch" in Chinatown