A record 8.25 million people now reside in New York City, 36,141 more than had been originally counted in the U.S. Census Bureau’s annual population estimates, putting the state on track to receive an additional estimated $77 million in federal funds by 2010.

The city announced yesterday that it had successfully challenged the Census Bureau’s earlier figures, as it has in previous years. The higher population counts should lead to an increase in federal funds, which are distributed based on population figures.

The report of population growth in New York City stands in contrast to the overall state population, which dropped by more than 9,500 people between July 2005 and July 2006, according to data from the U.S. Census.

The city, meanwhile, saw its population rise by about 40,000 during the same period, to 8.25 million from 8.21 million, according to estimates from the Department of City Planning.

“This population increase is the dividend the City receives for our ongoing investment in public safety, schools, and other government services,” Mayor Bloomberg said in a statement yesterday. “By analyzing and challenging the Census Bureau’s findings, we are able to ensure that vital City programs receive the appropriate level of federal funding.”

Much of the funding will be used to develop new affordable housing and preserve the city’s existing affordable housing stock.

The city challenged the July 2006 census figures for all five boroughs, with the highest percentage difference found in the Bronx. The Department of Planning found nearly 10,000 more people in the Bronx than had been estimated by the census.