The provided tables delineate the changes in the total populace of New York City and its distribution among the boroughs over a two-century period from 1800 to 2000.
Overall, the city experienced a dramatic, centuries-long surge in total inhabitants. Concurrently, a decisive demographic shift occurred, with the outer boroughs collectively overtaking Manhattan to house the overwhelming majority of residents.
In detail, In 1800, the total population stood at roughly 79,000. At this point, Manhattan was home to a dominant share, accounting for 76% of residents, while the other districts constituted just 26%. By 1900, the New York city’s populace had risen sharply to over 3.4 million. Although Manhattan’s figure also grew, peaking at 1.85 million, its proportional share fell considerably to 54%.
In contrast, the other boroughs saw their collective share grow to 46% in 1900. This trend accelerated dramatically in the following century. By 2000, the total population had soared to 8 million. The outer boroughs housed 6.47 million people, or a significant 81% majority, whereas Manhattan’s proportion had plummeted to just 19%, with its absolute number also declining slightly from its 1900 peak.