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4 Population Demographics • The 2005 projected county population of 124 ,400 is projected to increase to 168 ,000 residents by 2025 , the end of this plan . This 35 % increase will occur in new residential .. development throughout the areas of the county east of I-95 . • Residential development in planned developments of significant size is anticipated in unincorporated areas , especially in the central and southern parts of the county. • Population growth will also take place in the Sebastian area, turning Sebastian into the largest incorporated city by 2025 , twice the size of Vero Beach and almost doubling the +• numbers of people living there compared to the present day . • The population west of I-95 is not expected to increase since that area will continue its agricultural use designation. • People living in the incorporated areas of the county will make up a little over 40 % of the total population by 2025 , a slight increase from 2003 estimates of 36 . 5 % . �r. • Population projections indicate that a service area plan with four divisions — North County, Mid-County, West County, and South County — is appropriate for planning needed library development . A map of the service areas is in Section Five of the plan . • Mapping of population data indicates that young children (under 5 ) and people over 65 are concentrated in different parts of the county. There are many children in the southeast, Fellsmere , and Gifford . Older people are clustered on the island, in the West Vero Corridor, in Sebastian and Roseland, and in Vero Beach . This has implications for library service as both these populations are heavy library users . r. • Population data mapping also indicates that people living below the poverty level and/or who have no high school diploma are concentrated in Gifford , Roseland, Fellsmere , and +r• south county. Individuals with these conditions are also a library service target . Travel Time and Distance to Libraries �• • Libraries in Indian River County are within Florida standards as regards the time it takes to get to them from various part of the county east of I-95 . • Population growth and the success in implementing plans for road development are factors that will impact the ease with which people can get to a public library. Locating Public Libraries The consultants offered their expertise regarding site selection for public libraries . Issues discussed were : • Public libraries should be as visible as possible from well traveled roads . They should not be deep in residential areas . �.,, • Library use increases when facilities are located near retail stores , commercial activity, civic/cultural centers , recreation facilities , and schools . • Locations near schools and active parks can be problematic for public library management . Additional staff is needed to handle the afternoon influx of unattended children . Indian River County Library Master Facilities Plan 2004 - 2025 : Executive Summary rr