Central Luzon, which covered the provinces of Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac and Zambales and two highly urbanized cities (Angeles City and Olongapo City) had steadily grown to 8,030,945 persons based on the 2000 Census of Population and Housing (Census 2000). This was up by more than one million persons as compared to the 1995 Census of Population (POPCEN). For the period 1995 to 2000, the annual population growth rate of Central Luzon was 3.20 percent, higher than that of the 1990 to 1995 period (2.12 percent), and even surpassing the national annual population growth rate of 2.36 percent. If the current annual population growth rate of the region continues, the population is expected to double in 22 years, increasing on the average, by more than 200 thousand persons a year or about 29 persons per hour.

Based on the Census of Population and Housing conducted decennially by the National Statistics Office, the total population of the Philippines as of May 1, 2000 was 76,504,077 persons. This was higher by 7,887,541 persons or about 10.31 percent from the 1995 census (with September 1, 1995 as reference date). It was 10 times the Philippine population in 1903 when the first census was undertaken.

A transition from a rural to urban barangay classification signifies change in the human habitat with respect to several physical, demographic and economic characteristics of the barangay. In the 2000 CPH, barangays were classified into either urban or rural by considering the street pattern, presence of facilities and amenities, population density, presence of establishments, and type of occupation engaged in by the residents.