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K4C

King County Cities Climate Collaboration Dashboard

Density and Population Growth

Rising populations often are the cause of increased environmental impact, making it very important that natural areas are preserved elsewhere for other species. King County is the fourth fastest growing county in the country, and added 35,000 residents from July 2015 to July 2016. Rapid urbanization can cause significant problems, but density can reduce our overall footprint if done thoughtfully and planned appropriately. K4C cities envision a future of a harmonious relationship between growth, innovation and the environment. This future could include more localized human-scale transportation, fostering of existing natural areas, and eco-friendly development. With continued cooperation between each city of King County, our cities could serve as model urban communities for years to come.

How Is Our Population Density Trending?

Over the last five years, population density has risen in all four cities shown in this figure, and in King County as a whole. The benchmark shows Bellevue's population density seventeen years ago, from the 2000 census. In 2011, the Kirkland annexation changed the city's boundaries.

Population Density per Square Mile

Urban Growth Areas: What Are They and Why Are They Important?

This figure shows the percentage of new residential construction occurring inside Urban Growth Areas. Urban Growth Areas are sections of land set by city planners where most urban growth and development is desired to occur. These ares are set in an effort to limit urban sprawl and to reduce the environmental impact of new developments. This figure shows that development has been well restricted to within these areas, as new development is occurring nearly 100% within UGAs. UGAs are designed to have development center around transportation centers. This makes for shorter, easier commutes for people wishing to travel between King County's cities. With continued population rise, the use of UGAs is a promising strategy for the future of our cities. 

King County Percent of New Residential Construction Inside UGA (Urban Growth Area)