Growth Slowing in Washington D.C.

After a decade of incredible growth, a tightening job market has finally slowed the domestic migration into Washington D.C.

1 minute read

April 14, 2014, 12:00 PM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Carol Morello reports on recent demographic figures released by the Brookings Insitution that show a dramatic deceleration of growth in Washington D.C. Between July 2012 and July 2013, according to census figures, the nation’s capital experienced a next influx of just 4,500 people—one fifth of the city’s rate of growth two years earlier.

“The census figures reflect a region whose growth is decelerating after high growth in most of the previous decade, driven by federal spending after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, and fueled further during the recession when few other places in the country had jobs,” writes Morello. Among the region’s employment base, “federal jobs, which account for a third of all employment in the Washington region and carry some of the highest salaries, actually shrank…”

The article also makes several observations about dichotomy of experience between the city and its suburbs. "Six jurisdictions, including the region’s biggest counties of Montgomery, Fairfax and Prince George’s, showed net declines in what demographers call domestic migration, or the influx of residents from elsewhere within the country." And much of the growth of D.C. resulted from residents of nearby suburbs moving into the city. 

Friday, April 11, 2014 in Washington Post

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 16, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Green vintage Chicago streetcar from the 1940s parked at the Illinois Railroad Museum in 1988.

Chicago’s Ghost Rails

Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

July 13, 2025 - WTTV

Blue and silver Amtrak train with vibrant green and yellow foliage in background.

Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail

The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.

July 14, 2025 - Smart Cities Dive

Worker in yellow safety vest and hard hat looks up at servers in data center.

Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power

Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.

July 18 - Inside Climate News

Former MARTA CEO Collie Greenwood standing in front of MARTA HQ with blurred MARTA sign visible in background.

MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns

MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.

July 18 - WABE

Rendering of proposed protected bikeway in Santa Clara, California.

Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant

A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.

July 17 - San José Spotlight