Louisville

The City in Brief

Founded: 1778 (incorporated 1828)

Head Official: Mayor Jerry E. Abramson (since 2003)

City Population

1980: 298,694

1990: 269,555

2000: 256,231

2003 estimate: 248,762

Percent change, 1990–2000: −5.0%

U.S. rank in 1980: 49th

U.S. rank in 1990: 58th

U.S. rank in 2000: 69th (State rank: 1st)

Metropolitan Area Population

1980: 954,000

1990: 949,012

2000: 1,025,598

Percent change, 1990–2000: 8.1%

U.S. rank in 1980: 38th

U.S. rank in 1990: 43rd

U.S. rank in 2000: 49th

Area: 66.65 square miles (2000)

Elevation: 488 feet above sea level

Average Annual Temperature: 56.1° F

Average Annual Precipitation: 44.4 inches

Major Economic Sectors: services, wholesale and retail trade, manufacturing

Unemployment rate: 4.2% (December 2004)

Per Capita Income: $18,193 (1999)

2002 FBI Crime Index Total: 15,439

Major Colleges and Universities: University of Louisville, Bellarmine College, Spalding University

Daily Newspaper: Courier-Journal