Census 2000 - Our Community "Portrait"

On April 1, 2000, America will conduct the first census of the 21st century, an event that occurs every ten years. The census, originally taken in 1790, was used to redraw legislative districts and reapportion Congressional seats. Now the census is used to create a "statistical snapshot" of areas ranging in size from a city block to the entire nation. A variety of information including age, race and ethnicity, income, living arrangements, commuting patterns, and much more is collected every ten years. This data is indispensable to government, researchers, businesses, community groups, and anyone else who has an interest in learning more about an area and its residents.

The Baltimore Metropolitan Council (BMC) uses census data to help project population, household, and employment trends over the next 30 years. Such projections enable local jurisdictions to plan for highways, water and sewerage service, schools, and adequate housing. Population projections also help government attract private investors to areas targeted for economic development.

According to BMC estimates, the Baltimore region will have added about 110,000 persons this decade, for a total population of 2.46 million by the year 2000. Who are we? How are we changing? The following paragraphs highlight a few trends we're seeing in the Baltimore region as Census 2000 approaches.

Population Suburbanization

A major trend is the continued exodus from Baltimore City to the surrounding suburbs. The inset map shows the estimated population change in each census tract in the region between 1990 and 2000. The dark blue in Baltimore City represents a population loss of more than 10 percent. Overall, we expect the City's population to decrease by more than 110,000 persons this decade, a decline of more than 15 percent. But there are moderate population gains in several of the City's waterfront neighborhoods, including Canton, Fell's Point, and Federal Hill. This is an encouraging trend.

Larger image of above map

Baltimore County, the region's largest jurisdiction, is expected to grow by a modest 5 percent this decade. Communities in northwestern Baltimore County, such as Owings Mills and parts of Randallstown, are growing rapidly; however, these gains are offset by population loss in many of the older "inside-the-Beltway" communities. Neighborhoods in these older suburbs, like Parkville, Dundalk, and Arbutus are experiencing many of the same challenges apparent in the City.

The fastest growing jurisdictions over the past decade have been Howard and Carroll counties, increasing by 31 and 26 percent, respectively. In Howard County, the growth rate in parts of Columbia is stabilizing, while Ellicott City and the western portion of the County are booming. In Carroll County, the fastest growing areas are Westminster and Eldersburg. Other areas with high growth rates include Crofton in Anne Arundel County and Bel Air and Edgewood-Joppa in Harford County.

The Graying of the Population

Another trend confirmed by the census is the aging of the population. In the year 2000, the first members of the Baby Boom generation will be approaching their mid-50s. In fact, the over-45 group will have added more than 100,000 persons by the end of this decade - more than 90 percent of the total population growth in the region.

The graying of the Region's population will have significant impacts on future development patterns. Will aging couples exchange their suburban detached home for a loft overlooking the Baltimore Harbor? Many urban planners predict a boom for downtowns across the nation as empty nesters seek new housing types.

Growing Diversity

The Baltimore region is becoming more ethnically diverse. Virtually all of the population growth in the region involves minorities. Blacks will grow by the largest absolute number during the '90s - about 85,000. But the numbers of Hispanics and Asians is increasing at the fastest rate, by 65 and 56 percent, respectively. The region's strong economy is attracting both domestic and international migrants searching for opportunity and is fueling population growth.

Be Sure To Be Counted

April 1, 2000 is rapidly approaching, when every household in the Baltimore region will receive a census form to complete. Accurate census forms help ensure accurate data about our region. In the year 2000, persons living in the Baltimore region will be older, more diverse, and more dispersed throughout the region when compared to 1990. However, this is only an inkling of the wealth of information that will be revealed by Census 2000. This data is vital for anyone concerned with who we are and where we are going as a region.