The tables illustrate the population growth of New York City from 1800 to 2000, with a specific focus on the changing distribution of residents between Manhattan and the combined outer boroughs.
Overall, the city experienced a massive increase in its total population over the two centuries. Furthermore, a major demographic shift occurred, with the population centre moving from Manhattan to the other boroughs.
In 1800, New York City had a small population of just under 80,000. The vast majority of these people (76% or 60,515) lived in Manhattan, while the outer boroughs were home to only 24%. By 1900, the city’s population had risen dramatically to around 3.44 million. Although the number of people in Manhattan also grew to 1.85 million, its share of the total population fell significantly to 54%, indicating faster growth in the other areas.
The trend reversed completely in the 20th century. By the year 2000, the total population had more than doubled to 8 million. Remarkably, Manhattan’s share had plummeted to just 19% (1.54 million), while the outer boroughs became home to the overwhelming majority, accounting for 81% or approximately 6.47 million people.