Source: soundcloud.com
Below is a list of core cities in the United States that have seen their populations rebound following several decades of decline. In some instances, such as Denver, Des Moines, San Francisco, and Seattle, the core city is now attained a new peak population. Of the cities on this list, only Denver has seen a significant increase in its geographic area in order to build Denver International Airport. Otherwise, this list is meant to show cities where the core occupies essentially the same geographic area as it did during the prior peak and the low point. Cities such as Indianapolis, Nashville, Columbus, and Louisville were intentionally not included because a significant portion of their population growth has been fueled by annexations and/or consolidation with the surrounding county.
Two other cities, Cincinnati and Pittsburgh appear to have leveled off at their low points. Hopefully, the data below can provide a glimmer of hope for other core cities such as Buffalo, Cleveland, Detroit, and St. Louis, which are still suffering population loss.
City Peak Population Post-Peak Low Point 2014 Estimate
Atlanta 495,039 (1960) 394,017 (1990) 456,002
Boston 801,444 (1950) 562,994 (1980) 655,884
Denver* 514,678 (1960) 467,610 (1980) 663,862
Des Moines 208,982 (1960) 191,003 (1980) 209,220
Kansas City 507,087 (1970) 435,146 (1990) 470,800
Milwaukee 741,324 (1960) 594,833 (2010) 599,164
Minneapolis 521,718 (1950) 368,383 (1990) 407,270
Philadelphia 2,071,605 (1950) 1,517,550 (2000) 1,560,297
Saint Paul 313,411 (1960) 270,230 (1980) 297,640
San Francisco 775,357 (1950) 678,974 (1980) 852,469
Seattle 557,087 (1960) 493,846 (1980) 668,342
Washington 802,178 (1950) 572,059 (2000) 658,893
*Denver has increased its geographic area during this time period, primarily to acquire land for Denver International Airport and surrounding areas.
Sources: Historical Census population data for each city provided on en.wikipedia.org
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