The latest future population projections forecast that by 2040 the District of Columbia will have a population of 883, 600. That would far eclipse the historic high of 802, 178, from the 1950 census.

Projected population increase from 2010 to 2040, in thousands. Image by COG.

Despite that growth, DC would still rank as only the 4th most populous jurisdiction in the region, behind Fairfax, Montgomery, and Prince George’s. But the next 26 years could narrow that gap considerably. Demographers project that only Fairfax will add more people than DC. Prince George’s will add fewer than half as many.

The forecasts come from the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG), which is sort of a United Nations for local governments in the DC region.

COG’s forecast report has a treasure trove of fascinating demographic info, not only about population, but also jobs and households. For example, by 2040 COG’s demographers expect DC to have over 1 million jobs.

Of course, these are only projections. Nobody can predict the future with 100% accuracy. COG’s forecasts often fail to predict the biggest peaks during booms and lowest dips during busts. But all in all they’ve historically been reasonably accurate.

So get ready for more neighbors.

 Cross-posted at Greater Greater Washington.