Memphis
Memphis: Geography and Climate
Memphis: History
Memphis: Population Profile
Memphis: Municipal Government
Memphis: Economy
Memphis: Education and Research
Memphis: Health Care
Memphis: Recreation
Memphis: Convention Facilities
Memphis: Transportation
Memphis: Communications
The City in Brief
Founded: 1818 (incorporated 1826)
Head Official: Mayor Willie W. Herenton (D) (since 1992)
City Population
1980: 646,174
1990: 618,652
2000: 650,100
2003 estimate: 645,978
Percent change, 1990–2000: 5.1%
U.S. rank in 1980: 14th
U.S. rank in 1990: 18th (State rank: 1st)
U.S. rank in 2000: 24th (State rank: 1st)
Metropolitan Area Population
1980: 939,000
1990: 1,007,000
2000: 1,135,614
Percent change, 1990–2000: 12.8%
U.S. rank in 1980: 40th (MSA)
U.S. rank in 1990: 41st (MSA)
U.S. rank in 2000: 43rd (MSA)
Area: 279.3 square miles (2000)
Elevation: 331 feet above sea level
Average Annual Temperature: 62.0° F
Average Annual Precipitation: 48.9 inches
Major Economic Sectors: services, wholesale and retail trade, government
Unemployment rate: 6.1% (December 2004)
Per Capita Income: $17,838 (1999)
2002 FBI Crime Index Total: 51,034
Major Colleges and Universities: The University of Memphis, Rhodes College, University of Tennessee Center for Health Sciences, Christian Brothers University
Daily Newspaper: The Commercial Appeal
