The District’s population trend depicted in this report reflects historical changes from 1950 through 2006. The total population declined continuously from 1950 through 2000, but began an upward trend since 2000 paralleling a robust economy with unprecedented commercial and residential construction. The senior population (65 years and over) generally rose in number and percent of the total population from 1950 through 2006. From 1970 through 2006 the youth population (ages 0–15 years) generally followed a declining trend in number and percent. The racial composition of the total District population also changed significantly. In 1950, the population was 64.6 percent white and 35 percent black. By 2006, the District’s population reversed itself racially, with 56.5 percent black and 38.4 percent white.