NYC gained more people than it lost in 2012, reversing decadeslong trend

NEW YORK (AP) -- New statistics show more people moved into New York City than out of it last year. It's the first time in more than 60 years.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg cheered the reversal as a sign of the city's quality of life Thursday. The finding comes from new census estimates.

Overall, the city's estimated population has grown by more than 161,500 people since 2010. It's at a record high of 8.3 (8-point-3) million.

The growth is also due to a growing gap between births and deaths as life expectancy increases.

Many major American cities' populations began to shrink as suburbs grew after World War II. The decline became especially sharp in the 1970s.

Bloomberg says the recent growth in newcomers shows that "people are voting with their feet" for New York.

AP-WF-03-14-13 1220EST(LT)

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