The population of Butuan City, as of May 2000 was 267,279 persons. This was up by 20,205 persons as compared to 247,074 persons in 1995. The population growth rate of Butuan City had been continuously declining since 1980 to 1995. From a growth rate of 5.40 percent during the 1975 to 1980 period, it dropped to 2.82 percent during the 80-s and further to 1.53 percent during the early 90-s. However, in 1995 to 2000 period, the annual growth rate increased to 1.70 percent. The number of households also rose to 50,273 from 46,596 in 1995. The average household size was 5.30 persons, a slight increase from 1995 (5.28 persons) and higher than the national average of five persons.