Communities: The U.S. Population Living at the Coast

The coast is substantially more crowded than the U.S. as a whole. In 2010, over 123 million people, or 39 percent of the nation's population, lived in Coastal Shoreline Counties, representing less than 10 percent of the U.S. land area (excluding Alaska). This situation presents coastal managers with the challenge of both protecting coastal ecosystems from a growing population, and protecting a growing population from coastal hazards.

39%

Percent of the nation's total population that lived in Coastal Shoreline Counties in 2010 (less than 10% of the total land area excluding Alaska).

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2011

34.8 million

Increase in U.S. Coastal Shoreline County population from 1970 to 2010 (or a 39% increase).

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2011

446 persons/mi2

Average population density of the Coastal Shoreline Counties (excluding Alaska). Density in U.S. as a whole averages 105 persons/mi2.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2011

37 persons/mi2

Expected increase in U.S. Coastal Shoreline County population density from 2010–2020. Expected increase for entire U.S. is 11 persons/mi2.

Source: Woods & Poole, 2011; NOAA, 2012

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Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 1973, 1980, 2003, 2011;  NOAA, 2012;   Woods & Poole Economics, Inc., 2011
Note: Interactive map and statistics include U.S. Territories unless otherwise noted.

About this Topic

In 2010, over 123 million people resided within Coastal Shoreline Counties, representing less than 10 percent of U.S. land area (excluding Alaska). The data, obtained from the U.S. Census Bureau, show that since 1970 there has been a 39 percent increase (34.8 million people) in these coastal areas. The population density of Coastal Shoreline Counties is more than four times the national average when the U.S. is considered as a whole. By 2020, U.S. coastal population density is projected to increase by 37 persons per square mile, as compared to an increase of 11 persons per square mile for the U.S. as a whole by the same date. 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.