Population

When construction started in the 1950s, nearly 80% of Houston’s population was inside the planned alignment. By the time the last section on the east side was completed in 1973, the City had annexed so extensively that the percent of Houston’s population located within the alignment was less than 50%. Today, the population inside Loop 610 makes up 21% of Houston’s total population, whereas, the 96 square miles inside Loop 610 accounts for only 15% of Houston’s total land area.

Did you know?

• At 4,743 persons per square mile, Loop 610 has similar population densities as Sacramento, CA.


• According to the 2010 Census, at 443,949 persons, Loop 610’s population would make it the 38th largest city in the United States. Its population exceeds other southern cities of Atlanta, Miami and New Orleans.


• Loop 610’s population has remained a relatively constant 400,000 people, reaching its zenith of 493,377 measured by the 1960 Census.


• The land area encircled by Loop 610 is roughly the size of Milwaukee. However, Milwaukee fits nearly 600,000 people inside its 97 square mile boundary.