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As discussed in Chapter 1, Indian River County is characterized by relatively low population densities. Between 2000 and 2010, the County experienced a 22 percent growth in population. Though this increase was higher than the statewide growth rate of 18 percent for the same time period, it is considerably lower than the population growth in neighboring St. Lucie and Osceola Counties (44 percent and 56 percent respectively). The most densely populated areas of the County are generally located along major transportation corridors in Vero Beach, South County, Sebastian and a small pocket in Fellsmere. From 2000 to 2010, the population density of the Indian River County Urbanized Area increased from 2.35 persons per acre to 2.44 persons per acre, while the urbanized area increased by approximately 8,000 acres during that period. Applying the 2010 urbanized area boundary to the 2000 population count, the population density between 2000 and 2010 increased from 2.08 persons per acre to 2.44 persons per acre. Even with the increase in density, the density is substantially less than the 8.8 persons per acre or 4 dwelling units per acre, that researchers consider to be a transit supportive density. Due to the predominantly lower densities, emphasis is being given to increasing the density standards in transit supportive corridors or sub -areas. The predominant non-agricultural land use category in Indian River County is low and medium density residential. The western portion of the County (generally west of 1-95), with the exception of Fellsmere, is largely rangeland, pastureland and agricultural areas. New residential development in all residential categories has occurred at or below the maximum densities allowed in the comprehensive plan, resulting in low-density sprawl development in many parts of the County. Even though a majority of the residential land in the unincorporated county Urban Service Area (USA) has been either developed or has a building permit, significant development potential still exists within the USA. In addition to low densities, the County's development patterns offers limited connectivity to adjacent developments, limited sidewalk availability, and bigger block sizes. The lack of integration and connectivity between commercial and residential developments results in primary vehicular, pedestrian, and bicycle access to those developments along major roadways and prevents transit access to those developments. The absence of sidewalks in many portions of the County, combined with the cul-de-sac street nature of residential developments, severely limits the ability of residents to walk to transit facilities. Many of the County's older neighborhoods have a local grid street network with good connectivity to adjacent areas and are more conducive to transit. The County's land use patterns, particularly in the newer low density, single family, gated residential communities make large- scale transit access inconvenient and pose transit service delivery challenges. The situation is further exacerbated by the fact that there are few disincentives to driving in the County. Drivers rarely experience congestion on the County's roadways, and there is an adequate supply of free parking, even in the central business district. 5-5 wah1ey twn: