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New York City Population
New York City, colloquially known as NYC, stands as the most populous city in the United States, situated at the southern tip of New York State. The city’s demographic landscape is characterized by its remarkable density, with an estimated population of 8,335,897 in 2022 spread across 300.46 square miles, making it the most densely populated major city in the country. It surpasses other metropolises, such as Los Angeles, in population size, doubling its inhabitants.
New York City’s demographic significance extends beyond its local boundaries, as it serves as the geographical and demographic center of the vast Northeast megalopolis and the New York metropolitan area. With a metropolitan statistical area population exceeding 20.1 million and a combined statistical area population reaching 23.5 million in 2020, New York City is a mega-metropolis, ranking among the most populous in the world. Its distinction as a global melting pot is underscored by the presence of nearly 3.1 million foreign-born residents in 2021, a record-making figure that positions the city as the home to the largest foreign-born population globally.
The Estimated population of New York City in 2024 is 8.5 million
NYC | Census 2020 |
Population | 8,804,190 |
Total Land area | 300.46 sq mi (778.18 sq. km) |
Population density | 29,302.66/sq mi (11,313.81/sq. km) |
also read about the New York State Population
Boroughs wise Population
New York City is divided into five boroughs: Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, the Bronx, and Staten Island. As of the latest population estimates, Brooklyn is the largest borough with 2,736,074 residents. Queens comes in second with a new population peak of 2,405,464, followed by Manhattan with a population of 1,694,251. The Bronx has also achieved a new high of 1,472,654 residents, surpassing its 1970 population peak. Lastly, Staten Island’s population of 495,747 represents a new peak as well.
Boroughs | Population 2020 | Percentage |
Brooklyn | 2,736,074 | 31.4 |
Queens | 2,405,464 | 27.3 |
Manhattan | 1,694,251 | 19.2 |
Bronx | 1,472,654 | 16.7 |
States Island | 495,747 | 5.6 |
Total | 8,804,190 |
Source: Census 2020
New York Metro Population (CMA)
The New York metropolitan area is one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world and the only U.S. metropolitan area larger than twenty million residents as of the 2020 United States census. The vast metropolitan area includes New York City, the nation’s most populous city, Long Island, the Mid- and Lower Hudson Valley in New York State; fourteen counties and eleven of the largest cities in New Jersey; and six of the seven largest cities in Connecticut.
At the census metropolitan area (CMA) level in the 2020 census, the New York CMA had a population of 20,140,470 (20 million), a change of 6.58% from its 2010 population of 18,897,109.
New York CMA | Census 2020 |
Population | 20,140,470 (20 million) |
Total area | 8,294.21 sq mi (21,481.9 sq. km) |
Population density | 5,318/sq mi (2,053/sq. km) |
New York Historical Population
New York City’s historical population has undergone remarkable transformations over the centuries, showcasing its enduring appeal and growth. From its modest population of 4,937 in 1698, the city experienced significant leaps, reaching 813,669 by 1860 and surpassing a million residents by 1880. The 20th century witnessed unprecedented expansion, with the population skyrocketing to 3,437,202 by 1900, marking a staggering 126.8% increase. Despite fluctuations in subsequent decades, the city’s resilience is evident in its 2020 population of 8,804,190, reflecting a 7.7% growth rate and emphasizing its continued prominence as a global metropolis.
NYC Historical Population Chart
Year | Pop. | ±% |
1698 | 4,937 | — |
1712 | 5,840 | 18.30% |
1723 | 7,248 | 24.10% |
1737 | 10,664 | 47.10% |
1746 | 11,717 | 9.90% |
1756 | 13,046 | 11.30% |
1771 | 21,863 | 67.60% |
1790 | 33,131 | 51.50% |
1800 | 60,515 | 82.70% |
1810 | 96,373 | 59.30% |
1820 | 123,706 | 28.40% |
1830 | 202,589 | 63.80% |
1840 | 312,710 | 54.40% |
1850 | 515,547 | 64.90% |
1860 | 813,669 | 57.80% |
1870 | 942,292 | 15.80% |
1880 | 1,206,299 | 28.00% |
1890 | 1,515,301 | 25.60% |
1900 | 3,437,202 | 126.80% |
1910 | 4,766,883 | 38.70% |
1920 | 5,620,048 | 17.90% |
1930 | 6,930,446 | 23.30% |
1940 | 7,454,995 | 7.60% |
1950 | 7,891,957 | 5.90% |
1960 | 7,781,984 | −1.4% |
1970 | 7,894,862 | 1.50% |
1980 | 7,071,639 | −10.4% |
1990 | 7,322,564 | 3.50% |
2000 | 8,008,288 | 9.40% |
2010 | 8,175,133 | 2.10% |
2020 | 8,804,190 | 7.70% |
Source: US Census 2020
read about Top Cities in US by Population
Religion in New York City
Christianity is the biggest religion in New York City with 59% of the population adhering to it. Roman Catholicism is the largest Christian denomination in the city with 33% of the population, followed by Protestantism at 23%, and other Christian denominations at 3%. Evangelical Protestantism is the largest branch of Protestantism in the city (9%), followed by Mainline Protestantism (8%)
Judaism is the second-largest religion followed in New York City, with 8% of the population practicing it. Islam ranks as the third-largest religion in New York City, after Christianity and Judaism, with an estimated 7% of the city’s population following it. After these three largest religious groups, Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Zoroastrianism, and others are also practiced in the city. As of 2023, 22% of New Yorkers identified with no organized religious affiliation.
Religion | Percentage |
Christianity | 59% |
– Roman Catholicism | 33% |
– Protestantism | 23% |
– Other Denominations | 3% |
Judaism | 8.% |
Islam | 7% |
Hindu | 2% |
Buddhist | 1% |
No Religious Affiliation | 22% |
Other Faiths | 1% |
Source: PEW Research Center
Ethnicity in New York
New York City reflects a rich tapestry of diversity, with a total population of 8,804,190 residents. The White population remained the largest group, comprising 30.9% of the population, followed by the Hispanic (28.3%), Black (20.2 %), and Asian (15.6 %) populations.
Among the four major racial/Hispanic groups, the Asian population grew at the fastest rate (33.6 %) over the decade, The Hispanic population grew by 6.6%, while the number of Black residents declined by 4.5 % and the White population fell marginally, by 0.1%. In absolute terms, the Asian population increased by 345,383, accounting for more than one-half of the city’s population growth.
Ethnicity | 2020 Pop. | 2020 Percent | 2010 Pop. | 2010 Percent | Absolute Change | Percent Change |
White | 2,719,856 | 30.90% | 2,722,904 | 33.30% | -3,048 | -0.10% |
Hispanic | 2,490,350 | 28.30% | 2,336,076 | 28.60% | 154,274 | 6.60% |
Black | 1,776,891 | 20.20% | 1,861,295 | 22.80% | -84,404 | -4.50% |
Asian | 1,373,502 | 15.60% | 1,028,119 | 12.60% | 345,383 | 33.60% |
Two or More Races | 299,959 | 3.40% | 148,676 | 1.80% | 151,283 | 101.80% |
Other Races | 143,632 | 1.60% | 78,063 | 1% | 65,569 | 84% |
Total | 8,804,190 | – | 8,175,133 | – | 629,057 | 7.7% |
Source: Census 2020