A citys population grows exponentially at a rate of 5% per year. If the population is 100,000 in 2020, what will it be in 2025? (Round to the nearest whole number.)

Sun, 03 May 2026 09:05:14 +0000

**How a City’s Population Grows Exponentially at 5% Per Year—The 2025 Projection Explained** Cities across the U.S. are experiencing steady, accelerating population growth—but not through sudden surges. Instead, many are expanding steadily at around 5% per year, driven by consistent migration, birth trends, and economic opportunity. With 100,000 residents in 2020, a city’s population follows exponential growth, meaning it climbs faster over time as each year compounds on the previous one. This pattern reflects real-world demographic momentum—especially in growing urban centers where jobs, housing, and community networks pull people in. Is exponential population growth at 5% per year realistic for U.S. cities? The answer is increasingly yes. Urbanization continues to accelerate as people seek career advancement, cultural diversity, and improved quality of life. Cities with strong job markets, educational institutions, and transit infrastructure often see steady year-over-year increases. When compounded at 5% annually, even modest growth becomes significant—turning 100,000 in 2020 into a notable figure by 2025. Calculating that growth, **100,000 compounded at 5% annually over five years** results in a projected population of **approximately 128,155** once rounded to the nearest whole number. This figure highlights how exponential growth, while gradual in annual steps, produces tangible change over five years—well beyond linear expectations. Understanding this metric helps residents, planners, and visitors grasp the pace of change shaping cities today.