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Comprehensive Plan Introductory Element <br />Population <br />One of the key components of any successful long-range planning effort is to accurately project <br />future conditions and needs. In the development of a comprehensive plan, an understanding of the <br />future population and the forces which influence population growth is essential. Before future <br />population is projected, however, it is necessary to first analyze historic population levels and <br />current population estimates and the trends. <br />The following analysis addresses Indian River County's past, present, and future population <br />characteristics. As structured, the population section focuses on three aspects: historic population, <br />current trends, and population projections. Each of these builds upon the other to provide the <br />foundation upon which the comprehensive plan rests. While the historic population analysis <br />provides insight to the county's past development and growth, an assessment of current conditions <br />provides the basis for formulating population projections. <br />The focus of this comprehensive plan is the unincorporated portions of the county. Because the <br />availability of reliable data for sub -geographic areas of the county is limited, this analysis will focus <br />primarily on the county as a whole. In addition to the three aspects mentioned above, this analysis <br />will include a comparison of Indian River County with the state and region. <br />Since the geographic areas referenced herein remain constant throughout the analysis, the following <br />definitions are in order. The Treasure Coast Region is comprised of Indian River, St. Lucie, Martin, <br />and Palm Beach Counties. Any reference to Indian River County includes the entire county unless <br />specified as the unincorporated county. The unincorporated county excludes the five incorporated <br />municipalities (Vero Beach, Sebastian, Fellsmere, Indian River Shores, and Orchid). Census <br />Designated Places (CDP) are small areas within the unincorporated county designated by the US <br />Bureau of Census. <br />As defined by the census, a CDP is a densely settled population center without legally defined <br />corporate limits or corporate powers. These areas generally contain a residential nucleus with a city - <br />type street pattern. In addition to those areas defined above, several other CDP's of local importance <br />are included. These areas do not meet the criteria for official designation, but have experienced <br />significant development and population growth. All areas are depicted on the map below. <br />Community Development Department Indian River County <br />I <br />