Demographic Trends and Forecasts in the Philadelphia Region Key Findings

Population

  • The total population of the 10-county region increased by 9% between 1980 and 2000 and is forecasted to grow another 9% between 2000 and 2020.
  • There are currently 5.9 million people in the 10-county region, anticipated to reach 6.4 million by 2020.
  • The greatest forecasted population growth (above 30%) through 2020 will be in the following counties: Chester and Bucks, PA; Gloucester, NJ and New Castle, DE. The greatest decline (below 0%) will be in the following counties: northern Delaware county, PA; Camden, NJ and Philadelphia, PA (with the exception of Center City which will experience an increase).

Age

  • By 2020, almost 20% of the region’s residents will be over 65, impacting residents’ ability to access facilities and events. In 2000, 28% of the regional population was under 20 years of age; 50% was between 20-54; 9% was 55-64 and 13% was 65 or older.

Race

  • Ninety Seven percent of the total population increase from 2000 (5.9 million) to 2020 (6.4 million) will be from non-white residents.
  • The African American population in the region is forecasted to grow 23%, from 1.1 million to 1.4 million.
  • The Hispanic population in the region is forecasted to grow 64%, from 314,598 to 515,224.
  • The Asian/Pacific Islander population in the region is forecasted to grow 73%, from 211,428 to 366,297.

Education

  • Almost 50% of the region’s adults aged 25 years and older never attended college: 18% have not completed high school and 31% have a high school degree.
  • 38% have a college degree or more (graduate degree) and 12% have completed some college.
  • Neighborhoods with the lowest levels of educational attainment include: Kensington, Upper North and Southwest Philadelphia; River Region, Camden and Trenton in Mercer County (all with 70%+ never attended college).
  • Neighborhoods with the highest levels of educational attainment include: Princeton, Mercer County (72% at least a college degree) and Center City Philadelphia (68% at least a college degree).

Households: Income and Composition

  • There is forecasted to be a widening gap between low and high income households over the next 10 years:
    Income Range                 2000         2020
    Under $25,000                25%          24%
    $25,000-$49,999            26%          31%
    $50,000-$74,999            20%          15%
    $75,000 and over           29%          31%
  • There will be a continued trend towards smaller and non-traditional households in the region. Household size decreased from 2.88 persons in 1980 to 2.67 persons in 2000 and is forecasted to decrease further by 2020.
    Household Type                                                                 % Decline or Increase
    Traditional families                                                              -20%
    Married couples without children                                          +3%
    Single-parent families                                                         +22%
    Unmarried adult family members living together                 +25%
    “Non-family” households (primarily adults living alone)        32%