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.
Percentage of new population growth occurring within UGAs by county based on the U.S. Census data from 2000-2010.
Key Vital Sign 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 UGAs 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% (equivalent to all counties exceeding their population growth goals by 3%), with all counties showing an increase over their 2000−2010 percentage.
Data Source
U.S. Census Data
Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife
Vital Sign Indicator Reporter
Methods and More Results
Last Updated
6/26/2019