New analysis from the Urban Institute and researchers at the U.S. Census Bureau shows that, despite the housing bust and economic recession, exurban growth in recent years has been significantly higher than in more densely populated areas.
Urban enthusiasts have been encouraged by recent trends that seemed to indicate American cities growing at a faster rate than suburbs. But as further inquiry, and new analysis of longer-term trends illustrate, a more nuanced picture of American population growth is emerging.
Nate Berg reports on new analysis that shows America's exurban areas - "those deconcentrated towns flung far beyond the urban core and just outside the suburban spread" - have grown at as astonishing rate. "Between 2000 and 2010, the total U.S. population grew about 10 percent,
from 281 million to 309 million. Over that same time, the exurban
population grew by more than 60 percent, from about 16 million to almost
26 million people, according to the analysis."
A new interactive map
from the Urban Institute, based on an analysis by U.S. Census Bureau researchers Todd Gardner and Matthew Marlay, "shows how the growth rates in exurban areas
have been higher – and in some cases much higher – than the growth rates
in their corresponding metropolitan areas," writes Berg.
FULL STORY: Exurbs, the Fastest Growing Areas in the U.S.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

San Antonio and Austin are Fusing Into one Massive Megaregion
The region spanning the two central Texas cities is growing fast, posing challenges for local infrastructure and water supplies.

Since Zion's Shuttles Went Electric “The Smog is Gone”
Visitors to Zion National Park can enjoy the canyon via the nation’s first fully electric park shuttle system.

Trump Distributing DOT Safety Funds at 1/10 Rate of Biden
Funds for Safe Streets and other transportation safety and equity programs are being held up by administrative reviews and conflicts with the Trump administration’s priorities.

German Cities Subsidize Taxis for Women Amid Wave of Violence
Free or low-cost taxi rides can help women navigate cities more safely, but critics say the programs don't address the root causes of violence against women.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie