The magic number is 67,754

The State Department of Finance annually updates the population of every City in the State. As of January 1, 2009, Manteca had 1,631 more residents than on January 1, 2008. While the housing market has slowed down, it isn't surprising that we've continued to add population. As noted in today's Bulletin, Manteca built 897 housing units in 2008.

Here is how Manteca's population has grown this decade:

2000: 49,255
2001: 51,655
2002: 55,288
2003: 57,526
2004: 60,176
2005: 61,809
2006: 63,389
2007: 64,488
2008: 66,123
2009: 67,754

To see the statewide chart, click here.

While some may complain about the rate of growth or growth in general, this is a positive sign for the economy of our City. Both retailers and businesses prefer to locate in communities that consistently grow in population.

For those of you who are numbers freaks, there is another chart available on the State's website that shows city population by decade from 1850-present.

Here is how Manteca has grown in size since it's incorporation:

1920: 1,286
1930: 1,614
1940: 1,981
1950: 3,804
1960: 8,242
1970: 13,845
1980: 24,925
1990: 40,773
2000: 49,258

The chart showing historical data is very fascinating, it includes every city in the state and many unincorporated towns as well. For example, you can check out the population of San Francisco relative to every other city in the state in the late 1800s. It is also amazing to see the rate of growth in Los Angeles and its suburbs from 1910-1930.

You can check out the spreadsheet by clicking on the link below:
calhist2.xls