landwatch logo   Home Issues & Actions About

Archive Page
This page is available as an archive to previous versions of LandWatch websites.

Latest Population Figures Show Monterey County's Growth is Accelerating

 

Each year, in May, the California State Department of Finance releases population growth figures for the entire state. In 1998, Monterey County grew at 2.7% and was the third fastest growing county in California. 1999 figures were just released on May 3, 2000. They show that the county's growth rate has accelerated. During 1999, Monterey County's population grew by 3%. Monterey County is now tied with Placer County, near Sacramento, as the fourth fastest-growing county in California.

"The high population growth rate of the last few years was caused by a temporary "bubble" … In the next two decades Monterey County's population will grow at an average rate of 1.85% a year…(emphasis added)."

--Common Ground Monterey County



In their recently released report, "Stability and Change in Monterey County," Common Ground Monterey County touts a "fact-based" approach to land use policy. The current facts about Monterey County's population growth are revealed in the detailed figures provided below. Monterey County is one of the fastest growing counties in California, and the expanding economy of the Silicon Valley will likely continue to put immense pressures on Monterey County's farmland, water resources, and urban infrastructure.

LandWatch urges adoption of a five-point program of sound planning policies, to prepare for the continued growth pressures that are likely to affect the future of Monterey County, it agriculturally based economy, and the quality of life of its residents.

Population Increases in Monterey County Cities 1998-1999
City
1998 Population
1999 Population
% Increase

MONTEREY

387,500

399,300

3%

CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA

4,530

4,630

2.2%

DEL REY OAKS

1,680

1,710

1.8%

GONZALES

6,800

7,150

5.1%

GREENFIELD

10,350

10,750

3.9%

KING CITY

10,400

10,850

4.3%

MARINA

18,200

18,500

1.6%

MONTEREY

32,800

33,350

1.7%

PACIFIC GROVE

17,300

17,600

1.7%

SALINAS

129,800

134,700

3.8%

SAND CITY

190

200

5.3%

SEASIDE

29,700

30,300

2%

SOLEDAD

23,100

23,900

3.5%

UNINCORPORATED

102,700

105,700

2.9%



LandWatch's mission is to protect Monterey County's future by addressing climate change, community health, and social inequities in housing and infrastructure. By encouraging greater public participation in planning, we connect people to government, address human needs and inspire conservation of natural resources.

 

CONTACT

306 Capitol Street #101
Salinas, CA 93901


PO Box 1876
Salinas, CA 93902-1876


Phone (831) 759-2824


Fax (831) 759-2825

 

NAVIGATION

Home

Issues & Actions

About

Donate