Population and Statistics on Cape Cod

 

 

Population Update for Barnstable County

 

 

 
Current Population

Total year-round resident population for Barnstable County is estimated at 226,198 for 2008.

This represents an increase of 3,983 residents or 1.8% increase since the 2000 Census.
This increase is significantly below forecasts made 8 years ago by the US Census when Cape Cod was predicted to reach 274,000 by 2010.
Primary losses were seen among young families and children. Residents aged 
0-17 declined by nearly 19% for 2000-2008, as fewer young families relocated to Cape Cod and many left the area. This has been attributed to a combination of factors including escalating housing prices and limited job growth.
Since 2000, population increases were seen on the Upper Cape, moderate losses occurred in the Mid Cape (-2.7%) and Lower and Outer Cape populations remained flat.
Cape population continues to skew older. Senior residents now account for 23.6% of Barnstable County residents and this segment is expected to grow to 26% by 2013. 


The population of the Upper Cape is estimated at 90,537 for 2008.

Population grew 7.2% adding 6,074 new residents compared to 2000.
All age cohorts grew, except children aged 0-17.
The fastest growth occurred among baby boomers. The 45-64-age cohort increased by 18% since 2000.
Highest growth has occurred in Bourne at 18% and Mashpee at 17%.
Sandwich population has remained flat and Falmouth experienced 2% growth.
Falmouth is the most populated Upper Cape town, and the oldest with 23.3% of the residents over age 65.
Senior population is considerably lower in Sandwich (14%), Bourne (18.2%) and Mashpee (18.5%).
Seniors currently account for 19% of the total Upper Cape population. 


The population of the Mid-Lower-Outer Cape combined is estimated at 135,661 for 2008.

This represents a 1.5% decline since 2000 or a loss of 2,106 residents.
The Mid-Cape region (towns of Barnstable, Dennis and Yarmouth) lost 2,397 residents since 2000.
Lower and Outer Cape regions were nearly flat, with less than 1% increase.
Seniors currently account for 25% of MLO Cape residents.
Highest concentrations are found in the Lower Cape, 
particularly Chatham and Orleans, where seniors exceed 35%.

Forecasts for Next Five Years
:

The year-round population of Cape Cod is forecasted to decline by 1.7% or 3,843 residents by 2013.

At 222,235 residents, this returns the County to essentially at the same population level recorded in 2000.


Population is expected to decline on the Upper Cape for the first time since the 1970s. 


Population of the Mid-Lower-Outer Cape is forecasted to decline at a similar rate as the Upper Cape. 


However, residents will continue to age in place and will increasingly require health care services.

By 2013, 55% of Cape Cod residents will be over age 45.


Senior population is expected to grow by 8% through 2013.


Loss among children and young adults will continue.


Mashpee is the only Cape Cod town expected to show greater than one percent growth for 2008-2013.


The town of Bourne is forecasted to show the most significant population decline, in excess of 10%.


Sources and Methodology
2000 actual data is derived from 2000 US Census.
2008 Estimates and 2013 Forecasts are from Solucient Market Planner with primary references from the US Census American Communities Survey and Claritas modeling.
Resource Center 1.4.09

 

Updated Population Estimates

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