Lowell

The City in Brief

Founded: 1686 (incorporated 1836)

Head Official: City Manager John Cox (since 2000)

City Population

1980: 92,418

1990: 103,439

2000: 105,167

2003 estimate: 104,351

Percent change, 1990–2000: 1.7%

U.S. rank in 1980: 188th

U.S. rank in 1990: 188th

U.S. rank in 2000: 243rd

Metropolitan Area Population (PMSA)

1990: 280,578

2000: 301,686

Percent change, 1990–2000: 7.5%

U.S. rank in 1990: 7th (CMSA)

U.S. rank in 2000: 7th (CMSA)

Area: 14 square miles (2000)

Elevation: 110 feet above sea level

Average Annual Temperature: 51.6° F

Average Annual Precipitation: 42.8 inches of rain; 42.6 inches of snow

Major Economic Sectors: Services, trade, manufacturing

Unemployment Rate: 5% (February 2005)

Per Capita Income: $17,557 (1999)

2004 ACCRA Median House Price: Not reported

2004 ACCRA Cost of Living Index: Not reported

2002 FBI Crime Index Total: 4,258

Major Colleges and Universities: University of Massachusetts at Lowell, Middlesex Community College

Daily Newspaper: The Lowell Sun