(Washington, DC) - Mayor Adrian M. Fenty on Thursday announced the District’s population grew by 9,600 residents in 2009 bringing the city’s total population to almost 600,000 residents, according to recently released estimates by the United States Census Bureau. The increase marks the District’s largest annual gain since World War II.

“These gains reflect a significant vote of confidence that the District of Columbia is moving in the right direction,” said Mayor Fenty. “This kind of growth will only continue as more people see how we are working to improve our schools, provide more transportation options and build healthier, safer, more vibrant neighborhoods.”

Between July 2008 and July 2009, the District’s population increased by 9,583 people to 599,657. The growth can be attributed to a combination of new births and residents moving to the District from other states and overseas.

Only four states (Wyoming, Utah, Texas and Colorado) grew faster in the last year than the District, according to analysis by the Census Bureau and the Bureau of Economic Analysis. The District’s growth rate this year was four times the average year-on-year growth rate since 2001.

The District has added almost 28,000 residents since 2000. Annual Census estimates are based on comprehensive analysis of administrative data such as births, deaths, estimated new residential construction and tax records. The District is engaged in an extensive awareness campaign, “DC Counts”, to encourage residents to participate in the 2010 Census – conducted every 10 years -- to ensure an accurate count of the city’s residents. The federal Census helps determine the distribution of more than $400 billion in federal funding for community programs and it is critical the District receives its fair share.

More information on DC’s data trends can be found by contacting the Washington DC Office of Planning’s State Data Center at (202) 442-7600 or visit the OP website.