The population of a city grows exponentially at a rate of 3% per year. If the current population is 500,000, what will it be in 15 years?

Wed, 06 May 2026 00:52:22 +0000

**The population of a city grows exponentially at a rate of 3% per year. If the current population is 500,000, what will it be in 15 years?** Why is exponential population growth capturing attention across communities nationwide? In an era of shifting demographics and urban evolution, precise projections like this reveal deeper patterns in economic vitality, infrastructure planning, and lifestyle trends. For residents, commuters, and decision-makers in the United States, understanding how city populations expand matters—not just for curiosity, but for envisioning the future of work, housing, and community growth. **The science behind the numbers**
Exponential growth means a population increases by a fixed percentage each year, compounding over time. At 3% annually, a city’s numbers multiply rapidly. Starting from 500,000, sustained growth creates a ripple effect—each year’s increment builds on the previous total, accelerating gains over time. For the current population, applying the compound growth formula: P = P₀ × (1 + r)^t