Communities: The U.S. Population Living in Coastal Watershed Counties

Over 50 percent of the nation's population lives in only less than 20 percent of the U.S. land area (excluding Alaska), which generates a wide range of pressures on sensitive coastal ecosystems. As our nation's coastal watershed county population continues to grow, it is imperative to understand, manage, and protect the bounty and beauty that have drawn so many Americans to our coasts.

52%

Percent of the nation's total population that lived in coastal watershed counties in 2010 (less than 20% of the total land area excluding Alaska).

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2011

50.9 million

Increase in U.S. coastal watershed county population from 1970 to 2010 (or a 45% increase).

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2011

319

Average population density of the coastal watershed counties (excluding Alaska). Inland density averages 61 persons per square mile.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2011

14.9 million

Expected increase in U.S. coastal watershed county population by 2020 (or a 9% increase).

Source: Woods & Poole, 2011; NOAA, 2011; U.S. Census Bureau, 2011

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Download Population Interactive Map and Data (1.1mb)

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 1973, 1980, 2003, 2011;  NOAA, 2011;   Woods & Poole Economics, Inc., 2011
Note: Interactive map and statistics include U.S. Territories unless otherwise noted.

About this Topic

In 2010, about 164 million people resided within coastal watershed counties (just 17 percent of U.S. land area, excluding Alaska) of the United States and territories. The data, obtained from the U.S. Census Bureau, shows that since 1970 there has been a 45 percent increase (50.9 million people) in these coastal areas. The population density of coastal watershed counties is almost five times that of inland counties. By 2030 coastal population is projected to reach almost 195 million people. This topic includes two Case Studies; one focusing on Hot Spots of Growth and the other on Urban Sprawl. In addition, a Management Success story is presented on Controlling Coastal Pollution: Nonpoint Sources.