Simplify the following text for a Grade 7 native English-speaking person.
Original: According to the 1998 census , the total population of the district stands at 297,000 , while its population according to 1999 projections is approximately 303,000 .
Simplified: According to the 1998 census , the total population of the district is 297,000 . According to a 1999 estimate it was 303,000 .