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%
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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
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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
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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
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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
Download Population Interactive Map and Data (1.1mb)
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.
Closer Look
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Hot Spots of Growth: Increasing Population in a Finite Space
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Urban Sprawl: A growing population can restrict coastal ecosystem services
Relevant Links
Population along the Coastal United States: 1980 - 2008
http://oceanservice.noaa.gov/programs/mb/supp_cstl_population.html
NOAA Spatial Trends in Coastal Socioeconomics (STICS)
http://stics.noaa.gov