Houston Population Density Over the Decades

[Simbha]

I was looking at some census data this morning on city population density, and something struck me... Here's the data for Houston since 1910; note that this is for the city proper...

Year -- US Rank -- Population -- Area -- Pop. Density

1910 -- 68 -- 78800 -- 17.4 -- 4529

1920 -- 45 -- 138276 -- 36.5 -- 3788

1930 -- 26 -- 292352 -- 71.8 -- 4072

1940 -- 21 -- 384514 -- 72.8 -- 5282

1950 -- 14 -- 596163 -- 160.0 -- 3726

1960 -- 7 -- 938219 -- 328.1 -- 2860

1970 -- 6 -- 1232802 -- 433.9 -- 2841

1980 -- 5 -- 1595138 -- 556.4 -- 2867

1990 -- 4 -- 1630553 -- 539.9 -- 3020

2000 -- 4 -- 1953631 -- 579.0 -- 3374

2010 -- 4 -- 2099451 -- 599.6 -- 3501

While Houston's density has increased since 1960, it was actually significantly higher before that time. In fact, even now the city has an average density that is lower than it was between the 1910 and 1950 censuses.

Now, of course, the reason for this is because of the growth in the city's area - which outpaced that of the city's population - and, so, this only pertains to the city as a political unit. But, I thought it was an interesting tidbit to throw out there for you all.

[Pleak]

Between 1980 and 1990 did Houston un-annex 17 square miles?

(oops - can't subtract)

[Simbha]

Between 1980 and 1990 did Houston un-annex 17 square miles?

Not sure. I got the data from the Census Bureau. I didn't even notice that until you pointed it out. Interesting...

[woolie]

I'd like to see the city's borders for each year, particularly 1940 (pre massive annexation.)