Raleigh

The City in Brief

Founded: 1792 (incorporated 1795)

Head Official: City Manager J. Russell Allen (since April 2001)

City Population

1980: 150,255

1990: 218,859

2000: 276,093

2003 estimate: 285,639

Percent change, 1990–2000: 26%

U.S. rank in 1980: 106th

U.S. rank in 1990: 75th

U.S. rank in 2000: 73rd (State rank: 2nd)

Metropolitan Area Population

1980: 665,000

1990: 858,000

2000: 1,187,941

Percent change, 1980–1990: 29.1%

U.S. rank in 1980: 61st

U.S. rank in 1990: 54th

U.S. rank in 2000: 40th

Area: 117.3 square miles (2000)

Elevation: 434 feet above sea level

Average Annual Temperature: 59.3° F

Average Annual Precipitation: 52.6 inches

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

Unemployment rate: 3.3% (December 2004)

Per Capita Income: $25,113 (1999)

2002 FBI Crime Index Total: 17,833

Major Colleges and Universities: North Carolina State University, Shaw University, Meredith College, St. Augustine's

Daily Newspaper: The News and Observer