The 2000 Census of Population and Housing (Census 2000) results showed that Cotabato City registered a total population of 163,849 persons, higher by 17,070 persons over the 1995 Census of Population (POPCEN) results. This figure recorded a 2.38 percent annual population growth rate, lower by 0.35 percentage point than the annual population growth rate during the 1990 to 1995 period. A corresponding increase on the number of households was also recorded at 31,227 households, higher by 4,134 households over the 1995 figure. This resulted to an average household size of 5.17 persons, slightly higher than the average household size (5.38 persons) recorded five years ago and the national average of five persons.