Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C.: Geography and Climate
Washington, D.C.: History
Washington, D.C.: Population Profile
Washington, D.C.: Municipal Government
Washington, D.C.: Economy
Washington, D.C.: Education and Research
Washington, D.C.: Health Care
Washington, D.C.: Recreation
Washington, D.C.: Convention Facilities
Washington, D.C.: Transportation
Washington, D.C.: Communications
The City in Brief
Founded: 1790 (authorized by Congressional act)
Head Official: Mayor Anthony Williams (D) (since 1999)
City Population
1980: 638,333
1990: 607,000
2000: 572,059
2003 estimate: 563,384
Percent change, 1990–2000: -5.7%
U.S. rank in 1980: 15th
U.S. rank in 1990: 19th
U.S. rank in 2000: 21st
Metropolitan Area Population
1980: 3,478,000
1990: 4,223,000
2000: 4,923,153
Percent change, 1990–2000: 16.5%
U.S. rank in 1980: 8th
U.S. rank in 1990: 8th
U.S. rank in 2000: 8th
Area: 68.3 square miles (2000)
Elevation: Ranges from 40 to 410 feet above sea level
Average Annual Temperature: 54.0° F
Average Annual Precipitation: 39.73 inches
Major Economic Sectors: services, government, wholesale and retail trade
Unemployment rate: 2.9% (December 2004)
Per Capita Income: $28,659 (1999)
2002 FBI Crime Index Total: 44,349
Major Colleges and Universities: Georgetown University,
Howard University, American University, Catholic University of America, George Washington University
Daily Newspaper: The Washington Post; The Washington Times
