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Washington, D.C. Population Overview (2026 Projection)
Washington, D.C., formally the District of Columbia, is the federal district and capital city of the United States. The U.S. Constitution establishes it under the exclusive jurisdiction of Congress, making it independent of any U.S. state.
The total land area of Washington, D.C. is 61.05 square miles (158 km²), with an average population density of 11,295 people per square mile, making it the most densely populated U.S. jurisdiction.
As per the United States Census Bureau, the population of Washington, D.C. in 2020 was 705,749. The estimated population as of July 1, 2024 is 702,250, and the projected population for 2026 is approximately 710,000.
Washington, D.C. Population Growth (2010–2020)
Washington, D.C. experienced a population growth rate of 17.3% between 2010 and 2020, with an increase of 104,026 residents during this period. The median age in the district is approximately 33.8 years, and the population is 52.5% female and 47.5% male.
Washington, D.C. Census Snapshot (2020)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Population | 705,749 |
| Percentage Change since 2010 | 17.3% |
| Total Land Area | 61.05 sq mi (158.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 11,295/sq mi (4,361/km²) |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
Religion in Washington, D.C.
Religion and Affiliations
In Washington, DC 65% of the population is affiliated with Christianity. 26% of the population don’t follow or adhere to any faith or religion and the rest 9% follow other non-Christian-based religions.
Among Christians, The largest religious bodies by adherents were Protestants ( 41%) followed by Roman Catholics (20%), Mormons (2%), Eastern Orthodox (1%), and other Christians 1%.
Other Religion includes Jewish, Hinduism, Buddhists, Muslims, and other smaller faiths.
| Religion /Affiliation | Percentage |
| Christians | 65% |
| – Protestant | – 41% |
| – Catholic | – 20% |
| – Mormon | – 2% |
| – Easter Orthodox | – 1% |
| – Other Christians | -< 1% |
| Other Religions | 9% |
| Jewish | 5% |
| Muslim | 2% |
| Buddhist | <1% |
| Hindu | 1% |
| Other faiths | 1% |
| No religion | 26% |
Source: Pew Research Center
Race and Ethnicity in Washington, D.C.
Ethnic & Racial composition in Washington, DC
| Race and Origin | 2020 Percentage |
| White/Anglo (Non-Hispanic) | 38% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 11.3 |
| African American | 40.9% |
| Asian | 4.9% |
| Native American | 0.5% |
| Pacific Islander | 0.1% |
| Others | 4% |
Source: US Census 2020
Washington, D.C. Historical Population
Washington, D.C. has experienced dynamic population changes over the past two centuries, growing from just 8,144 residents in 1800 to 705,749 in 2020, reflecting a 17.3% growth rate during 2010–2020. Below is a detailed decade-by-decade population record with absolute and percentage changes:
| Year | Population | Absolute Change | Percentage Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1800 | 8,144 | – | – |
| 1810 | 15,471 | +7,327 | +89.97% |
| 1820 | 23,336 | +7,865 | +50.84% |
| 1830 | 30,261 | +6,925 | +29.68% |
| 1840 | 33,745 | +3,484 | +11.51% |
| 1850 | 51,687 | +17,942 | +53.17% |
| 1860 | 75,080 | +23,393 | +45.26% |
| 1870 | 131,700 | +56,620 | +75.41% |
| 1880 | 177,624 | +45,924 | +34.87% |
| 1890 | 230,392 | +52,768 | +29.71% |
| 1900 | 278,718 | +48,326 | +20.98% |
| 1910 | 331,069 | +52,351 | +18.78% |
| 1920 | 437,571 | +106,502 | +32.17% |
| 1930 | 486,869 | +49,298 | +11.27% |
| 1940 | 663,091 | +176,222 | +36.19% |
| 1950 | 802,178 | +139,087 | +20.98% |
| 1960 | 763,956 | −38,222 | −4.76% |
| 1970 | 756,510 | −7,446 | −0.97% |
| 1980 | 638,333 | −118,177 | −15.62% |
| 1990 | 606,900 | −31,433 | −4.92% |
| 2000 | 572,059 | −34,841 | −5.74% |
| 2010 | 601,723 | +29,664 | +5.19% |
| 2020 | 705,749 | +104,026 | +17.29% |
Washington, D.C. saw its largest absolute growth in 1940 (+176,222) and the sharpest population decline in 1980 (−118,177), reflecting urban shifts and demographic trends.
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