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