State Sprawl

Lost Open Space in the United States

1982-2017

X
X
0 sq. mi.
1,400 sq. mi.
2,800 sq. mi.
4,200 sq. mi.
5,600 sq. mi.
7,000 sq. mi.
The U.S. lost 68,000 square miles
of open space
Loss related to population 1
Loss related to consumption 2

1. "Population" refers to increase in population.

2. "Consumption" refers to increase in developed land consumption per capita (per person).

Watch video for further explanation

Lost Open Space (square miles) from Population and Consumption growth

(1982-2017)

Click and drag to move the bar chart left or right.

Two Decades of NumbersUSA Studies on Population Growth and Urban Sprawl

STUDIES

  • 2023 Californicating Idaho
  • 2023 Illusion of Endless Texas Habitat
  • 2022 Disappearing Colorado
  • 2022 From Sea To Sprawling Sea (49 states)
  • 2021 A Thirsty Arizona
  • 2020 Californication of Oregon
  • 2017 Paving The Piedmont (GA, SC, NC)
  • 2017 Texas Urban Triangle
  • 2014 Vanishing Natural Florida
  • 2014 Vanishing Open Spaces (48 states)
  • 2003 Outsmarting Smart Growth (48 states)
  • 2001 Large U.S. Cities
  • 2000 Sprawl In Florida
  • 2000 Sprawl In California

    • REPORTS

  • 2024 NEVADA NO. 1
  • 2024 LOVE HURTS (NC)
  • 2023 SPRAWL IN MINNESOTA
  • 2003 CHESAPEAKE BAY WATERSHED (VA, MD, PA, WV)
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