Answer:
Approximately 494,314 people
This is an exponential growth question, specifically population growth. We will use the following equation to help us solve this situation:
P(t) = a(1+r)t
P(t) = total population (??)
a = initial population = 260,000
r = growth factor (the percent as a decimal) = 0.055
1 + r = 1 + 0.055 = 1.055
t = time in years = 12
So, we can substitute all our information and solve:
P(12) = 260,000(1.055)12 = 494,313.95
Rounding to the nearest whole person, 494,314 people in 12 years.