This report on the Puerto Rican population of New York City is organized into three sections. The first begins by discussing the Puerto Rican population in the context of the growth and distribution of the total population of Spanish/Hispanic origin or descent. Changes in this relationship between 1970 and 1980 are presented. The redistribution of the Puerto Rican population in the United States during the last decade is shown in table form and discussed briefly. Finally, the spatial redistribution of the Puerto Rican population within New York City by borough and community since 1950 is examined. Section II presents full count 1980 Census data for the city and for the Puerto Rican population. Nineteen pairs of tables of demographic and housing characteristics are included, contrasting and comparing the Puerto Rican population and housing characteristics with those of the city as a whole. Section III, presenting 1970 and 1980 full count subject matter for the citywide Puerto Rican population and housing units, contains 10 tables and analyses. The tables were designed to maximize the only information from the 1970 Census which is comparable to that of 1980. It is noted that all Census data in this report must be considered preliminary pending the outcome of litigation over a possible population undercount. (Author/CMG)