Baltimore’s Population Has Increased For First Time in a Decade, Showing Beginning of City’s Renaissance
BALTIMORE, MD (Thursday, March 13, 2025) – Today, Mayor Brandon M. Scott released a statement on data released by the U.S. Census Bureau showing that the City of Baltimore gained population for the first time since 2014. The Bureau’s population estimates showed that between 2023 and 2024 Baltimore’s population increased from 567,517 to 568,271. The full release of population estimates can be found here.
“Today’s population figures confirm that Baltimore’s Renaissance is here,” said Mayor Scott. “After a decade of shrinking population, I promised during my first year in office to pivot from the failed policies of the past and overcome the decades of intentional disinvestment in our community. Now, as a result of my administration’s achievements—a record-low number of vacant homes, a historic drop in violence, and billions being invested into our neighborhoods—we have finally stabilized our City’s population.
“People can feel this progress. My administration will build on this momentum by continuing our work to promote public safety, accelerate equitable development, and protect our most vulnerable residents—making Baltimore a place that more people will be proud to call home.”
Before today’s figures, Baltimore’s population had declined every year since a 2014 peak of 623,587.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau: City and Town Population Totals 2010–2019, Annual Resident Population Estimates 2020–2024.
After another year of declining population in 2021, Mayor Scott pledged to increase Baltimore’s population while uplifting the quality of life for all residents. His First Term Action Plan laid out his goal to attract more Black middle income and immigrant families by increasing affordable housing opportunities and encouraging immigration to Baltimore.
Today’s increase comes after a streak of historic wins for Baltimore, including:
- An historic reduction in crime through the largest single-year decline in homicides and double-digit reductions in gun violence;
- An overhaul of the of the City’s permitting process to promote equitable development;
- The sustained compliance of two sections of the City and BPD’s Consent Decree;
- Record investments in public schools, youth job opportunities, and recreation centers;
- Significant advancements in broadband and digital equity.