New U.S. Census figures show that the Washington area’s population boom has slowed and even, in the case of D.C. and Prince George’s County, has reversed.
D.C.’s population dipped by about 500 people from July 2005 to July 2006, evidence that some people no longer can afford to live in a city that is going through a rebirth, said Brett Williams, a professor of anthropology at American University.
In D.C., there were 8,017 births and 5,586 deaths for a natural increase of 2,431 people. But about 3,000 more people moved out of the District than moved in.
Williams said the numbers support evidence of the gentrification of D.C., where young, wealthy couples replace larger, poorer families who no longer can afford to live in the city.
Large public-housing complexes are being closed and replaced with mixed-income units that house smaller families. Homes in historically black neighborhoods are being sold to young couples and singles, she said.
In Prince George’s, there were 12,500 births and 5,556 deaths for a natural increase in population of 6,944. But about 8,400 more people moved out of the county than moved in.
Denise Roberts, a spokeswoman for Prince George’s County, said she had not seen the census figures but was surprised to learn that the county’s population has decreased. Roberts said the county is planning for another growth spurt, especially with the development of the National Harbor.
Although the rate of growth has slowed in D.C. and the immediate counties, Loudoun County has grown by nearly 60 percent since 2000, making it the fourth fastest-growing county in the United States.
Maryland population
Here are some populations and the changes from July 2005-06.
Maryland
Montgomery County
Pop: 932,131 (+4,726)
Prince George’s County
Pop: 841,315 (-1,449)
