here - Orange County Transportation Authority

fact, it is one of the most densely populated areas in the United States and, according to
the 2010 U.S. Census, Orange County is the most densely populated county in the SCAG
region.
Table C: Comparative Population Density for Counties within SCAG Region, 2010
Census
County
Population
Density per
Square Mile
Between 2008 and 2020, Orange County’s total population is projected to increase by
307,447 persons to a total of 3,430,505 (Figure 4). The number of sparsely populated
TAZs is projected to shrink, along with the number of “zero population TAZs” in the
southern portion of the County. Jurisdictions projected to experience the most population
growth during this time include Anaheim, Brea, Tustin, Irvine, and areas within the
unincorporated County. The geographic area projected to add the most residents is
located in the City of Irvine, north of Interstate 5. There is also significant growth in the
number of TAZs with populations of 6,000 to 9,999 residents, and 10,000+ residents,
occurring in central and south county (Figures 5 and 6).
Orange County’s population density in 2020 (Figure 7) is projected to mirror the
population changes forecast to occur between 2008 and 2020 (see Figure 8). In short, the
County will become more densely populated. While population growth will occur in the
remaining vacant areas planned for growth, increased density will also be prevalent in the
established urban cores due to infill, reuse, and mixed-use developments. This increased
density of development will result in more efficient residential land use. Efficient land
use, as discussed in this document, is a land use or pattern of land uses anticipated to
reduce regional GHG emissions from automobiles or light duty trucks. The land uses and
11
Housing
Units per
Square
Mile
Orange 3813 1329
Los Angeles 2405 848
Ventura 446 153
Riverside 304 111
San
Bernardino
101 35
Imperial 42 13
Note: The above densities reflect total square miles of
land, without distinguishing between developable or
undevelopable land.