New York City has long been the most populous city in the United States. According to the 1990 U.S. Census, the population of stood at 7,322,564, up 3.5% from 1980. In the 1980s, all of New York City's boroughs gained population. The population recovered, after falling 10.4% in the 1970s. Population has stagnated in the 1990s, rising a mere 0.2% to 7,333,253 in 1994. Moderate gains in population growth within the City are forecast for the remainder of the decade.

Since World War II population growth in outlying suburban and rural areas has been relatively rapid, while cities and some inner-ring suburbs have seen their populations decline or stagnate. The cities have suffered economic and social distress as jobs were lost in old outdated factories; businesses sought lower wage, real estate, and tax costs; crime soared; racial tensions mounted; and aging housing stocks deteriorated. Hundreds of thousands of middle class residents fled to the suburbs or to other western and southerly destinations. Outlying areas have benefitted from the availability of abundant, relatively cheap vacant land, from improved accessibility, and from the relocation of businesses. This pattern has been observed throughout the country.

The above population figures probably understate actual population due to Census undercounts of illegal immigrants and others. A study by a New York University economist, supported by evidence from the Regional Planning Association, and the New York City Department of City Planning, estimated that the Census Bureau's 1988 estimate of the city's population at 7,350,000 fell short of the actual number by 700,000. The revised estimates were based upon birth and death rates, car registrations, and school enrollment figures.

The population has risen or remained stable in recent years due largely to a surge in immigration from foreign countries, particularly from Asia, Central America, and the Caribbean. According to the Regional Planning Association 657,000 foreign immigrants settled in New York City between 1979 and 1986. Census data released in March, 1996 indicate that there was a net growth of 460,000 people from other countries between 1990 and 1995, even though the overall population of the city fell by approximately 10,000. According to the Housing and Vacancy Survey, 42.5% of all heads of household were born outside of the U.S.A. in 1993, up from 40.7% in 1991 and 36.8% in 1987. Currently 35% of New York City's population is foreign born.

Economic growth in the 1980's, fueled by the strength of the financial services, real estate, entertainment, and business services industries also contributed to population growth. In addition, large government and private investments in housing helped stabilize neighborhoods which had showed signs of deterioration prior to 1980.

In the 1980s the highest increase in population in percentage terms occurred in Staten Island, though growth was lower than that of previous decades. Staten Island has had the lowest population base and the largest proportion of developable land. The highest absolute increase in population among New York's boroughs occurred in Brooklyn. Manhattan ranked second in percentage increase with a 4.1% gain and was third in absolute increase with a gain of approximately 59,000 people.

The tables below describe the growth of population through time, and projected population growth in New York City and its boroughs. The projections, from the New York State Department of Economic Development, were based upon 1980 Census figures, and probably overstate population growth. They have not been updated since 1991.


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