Land Cover and Development
Growth in Urban Growth Areas
This indicator tracks the percent of population growth occurring within Urban Growth Areas (UGAs). Population growth, derived from ten-year U.S. census data, is used as a surrogate for development activity in the region. County comprehensive plans designate UGAs for high-density urbanization and growth, in part helping to reduce land development pressures on rural and resource lands outside of urbanized areas.
Key Indicator Results
- The analysis of progress toward the 2020 target is pending until new data are made available.
- Based on U.S. Census data from 2000 to 2010, the Puget Sound basin-wide population growth occurring within urban growth areas was 83 percent.
- For counties, this indicator ranged from 28-101 percent.
- For future analyses of progress, the value derived from the 2000 to 2010 census data will be used as a baseline reference for basin-wide and county-scale population growth distribution.
Contributing Partners
Recovery Target
The proportion of basin-wide growth occurring within urban growth areas is at least 86.5 percent (equivalent to all counties exceeding their population growth goals by 3 percent), with all counties showing an increase over their 2000−2010 percentage.
Data Source
U.S. Census Data
Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife
Indicator Lead
Methods and More Results
Last Updated
6/26/2019