Newsroom
For Immediate Release
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Contact: Justin Clarke 703-228-3528 (voice) 703-228-4611(TTY)
Arlington County Wins Challenge to 2005 Census Bureau Population Estimate
County grew by about 1,800 people between 2004 and 2005
ARLINGTON, VA – Arlington County has successfully challenged the 2005 Census Bureau population estimate. The new population figure approved by the Census shows that the County grew from 197,955 persons in 2004 to 199,761 persons in 2005. This represents a population growth of 1,806 people (about one percent) from 2004 to 2005. For the 2000 to 2005 period the County population increased by 10,308 people (five percent).
The initial Census population estimate showed that the population declined by about one percent from 2004 to 2005. The County challenged that estimate based on an increase in housing unit construction in Arlington.
“Certificate of occupancy permits and other data shows a net growth in housing units in recent years that is contributing to population growth in the County,” said Justin Clarke, a demographer with the County’s Community Planning, Housing and Development Department.
This is the second year that Arlington County has successfully challenged the population estimate produced by the US Census Bureau. The 2004 estimate originally showed that the population had decreased by 3,336 people since 2000. After the County’s successful challenge to the 2004 estimate, the Census now shows that the population grew by 8,502 people (or 4.5 percent) between 2000 and 2004.
Arlington County staff annually reviews Census population estimates due to their key role in several government programs. Most importantly, these estimates are linked to federal funding allocations and are used as inputs to the annual Census Bureau American Community Survey.
The Census Bureau has posted the updated 2005 population estimate for Arlington County online.
Arlington, Va., is a world-class residential, business and tourist location that was originally part of the "10 miles square" parcel of land surveyed in 1791 to be the Nation's Capital. It is the geographically smallest self-governing county in the United States, occupying slightly less than 26 square miles. Arlington maintains a rich variety of stable neighborhoods, quality schools and enlightened land use, and received the Environmental Protection Agency's highest award for "Smart Growth" in 2002. Home to some of the most influential organizations in the world - including the Pentagon - Arlington stands out as one of America's preeminent places to live, visit and do business.
