Population to double in 33 years

The population of Nueva Ecija, as of May 1, 2000, was 1,659,883 persons. This was up by 154,056 persons as compared to the figure in the 1995 Census of Population.

The growth rate of the province showed an erratic trend in between censal periods since 1918. The period 1903-1918 recorded the highest growth at 3.38 percent, the lowest of which was during the 1939 to 1948 period. The late 90’s showed a 2.11 annual growth rate, lower than the growth rate (2.61 percent) in the early 90’s. If the current growth rate continues, the population of Nueva Ecija was expected to double in 33 years.

In 2000, the number of households was 340,158, resulting to an average household size of 4.88 persons. This was lower than the national average and 1995 figure of five persons.

Nueva Ecija, the second biggest province in Central Luzon Region in terms of population size

Nueva Ecija ranked second in terms of population size among the six provinces (Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac and Zambales) and two highly urbanized cities (Olongapo City and Angeles City) in Central Luzon, contributing 20.67 percent to the 8 million population of the region. At the national level, the province shared 2.22 percent to the total population of 76.5 million as recorded in the 2000 Census of Population and Housing.

Cabanatuan City, was the biggest in terms of population

Of the 32 municipalities comprising Nueva Ecija, Cabanatuan City, was the biggest in terms of population size. This registered a population of 222,859 persons or 14.8 percent of the total provincial population. It was followed by San Jose (7.2 percent), Talavera (6.5 percent), Gapan (5.9 percent) and Guimba (5.8 percent). Nampicuan had the smallest population with 0.7 percent of the total provincial population. Palayan City, the provincial capital, had a population of 31,253 persons or 2.1 percent of the provincial population.

Nueva Ecija had a median age of 22 years

Nueva Ecija had a median age of 22 years. This meant that in 2000, half of the population were below 22 years old. In 1995, the median age was 21 years.

Sex ratio was recorded at 102.95

Males outnumbered their female counterpart with a sex ratio of 102.95 males for every 100 females.

Dependency ratio down to 66

The percentage of the total population belonging to age group 0 to 14 years was 35.4 percent. The oldest group (65 years and over) accounted for 4.3 percent, while 60.3 percent for 15 to 64 year age group (economically active population).

The overall dependency ratio in 2000 was 66. This meant that for every 100 persons aged 15 to 64 years, there were about 66 dependents (59 persons aged 0 to 14 years – young dependents; and seven persons aged 65 years and over – old dependents). In 1995, the dependency ratio was recorded at 69.

Almost equal number of male and female voters

There were 969,422 persons or 58.40 percent of the total population belonging to the voting population (18 years old and over). The proportion of male voters was 50.3 percent while 49.7 percent for women.

More than half of females were of childbearing age

Out of 817,867 females, 420,408 or 51.40 percent belonged to childbearing age or reproductive age group (15 to 49 years). The highest percentage of which, were those at age group 15 to 19 years (19.90 percent).

Females dominated higher levels of education

Only 44.66 percent of the household population aged five years and over in Nueva Ecija had attended or completed elementary education; 30.18 percent, high school; 10.17 percent, college undergraduates; and 4.07 percent, academic degree holders and with post baccalaureate courses. On the other hand, the proportion of children 5 to 6 years old who had completed pre-school and were likely to become Grade I students in the next school year was 2.04 percent (29,868 pupils).

There were more males than females who had attended or finished elementary, high school and post secondary education. On the other hand, those who were college undergraduates, had college degree and with post baccalaureate courses were predominantly females.

Four out of five were Tagalog

Majority (77.8 percent) of the household population in Nueva Ecija classified themselves as Tagalog. Others were Ilocano (19.3 percent), Kapampangan (0.6 percent), Kankanai/ Kankaney/Kankanaey (0.3 percent) and Bisaya/Binisaya (0.3 percent).

Married persons outnumbered single persons

Of the total population 10 years old and over in Nueva Ecija, a higher proportion of married persons (50.14 percent) was reported as compared to single persons (40.88 percent). The remaining nine percent were either widowed, divorced/separated, with other arrangements or with unknown marital status.

Median floor area increased in 2000

The median floor area of occupied housing units in 2000 was 25.5 square meters, higher than the 1990 median floor area of 22.7 square meters. Of the total occupied housing units, 22.2 percent had floor area of 10 to 19 square meters. About 21 percent had a floor area of 20 to 29 square meters. Only 4.3 percent of the occupied housing units had floor area of 120 square meters and over.

Majority of the households used strong materials for their houses

Majority of the households in Nueva Ecija used galvanized iron/aluminum (77.4 percent) and a small percentage still used cogon/nipa/anahaw (14.1 percent) as the roof of their houses. As to the construction material of the outer walls, almost half of the occupied housing units had walls made of concrete/brick/stone (43.8 percent), and 21.4 percent made of half concrete/brick/stone and half wood.

Of the total occupied housing units, 42.5 percent had roof made of galvanized iron/aluminum and concrete/brick/stone for walls.