Documenting D.C.'s Demographic Shift

Data from Washington D.C. shows how the demographics of eastern neighborhoods have shifted heavily toward childless singles over the past decade.

1 minute read

March 1, 2015, 1:00 PM PST

By Philip Rojc @PhilipRojc


Rock Creek Park Washington D.C.

iofoto / Shutterstock

In a little more than a decade, Washington D.C. neighborhoods have seen some startling demographic changes. Analysts from the city's Office of Revenue Analysis used address data from local income taxes to extrapolate where different kinds of families lived in the years 2002 and 2013.

The result: a marked increase in childless singles living in eastern neighborhoods, and no real change in western ones. Fewer households east of Rock Creek Park were singles with dependents in 2013 than in 2002. Another noteworthy trend was a slight shift of married couples with no dependents toward more central zip codes. The distribution of married couples with dependents varied. 

The article includes maps documenting the shift for various household types and an interactive tool showing neighborhood composition by zip code in both years.

Monday, February 23, 2015 in District Measured

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

Get top-rated, practical training

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

July 2, 2025 - Mother Jones

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Screenshot of shade map of Buffalo, New York with legend.

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

0 seconds ago - 2TheAdvocate.com

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

18 minutes ago - Mother Jones

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog