|
|
 |
The Consequences of Population Growth
What are the most negative consequences of county population growth?
For two in three residents, high housing costs (37%) and traffic congestion
(31%) top the list. Fewer than three in 10 name environmental issues,
specifically the loss of open space (16%) and pollution (11%). However,
response varies slightly across regions: North County residents are
more likely to mention high housing costs, while South County residents
focus more on traffic and open space. Latinos and Asians are more likely
to name housing, while non-Hispanic whites mention traffic and open
space more often.
What are the most positive consequences of county population growth?
Residents most often named an improving job market and economy (41%),
followed by increasing social diversity (21%), more state and local
tax revenues (15%), and improvement of services and amenities (13%).
For all racial and ethnic groups and in both regions, the economic benefits
of growth outweigh all other issues.
Most residents were not happy when told that Orange County is expected
to gain about 650,000 people and reach the 3.5 million mark in population
by 2020. Sixty-five percent believe this increase will make the county
a less desirable place to live. Although this negative response was
pervasive across regions and racial and ethnic groups, non-Hispanic
whites (73%) were much more likely than Latinos and Asians (48% each)
to say that growth would make the county a less desirable place to live.
Table:
"Which of the following do you think is the most negative consequence
of Orange County's population growth."
|