What’s measured This measure compares housing types in the Charlotte region in 1990 and 2000 using data from the U.S. Census Bureau. The types of housing include single-family detached, single-family attached (row houses or townhomes), multi-family units, mobile homes and all other housing (such as boats, RVs and vans). The number of housing units of each housing type is reported as a percent of all housing units. This indicator uses data from the decennial census, which means that it cannot be updated until 2010 figures are released. Why it’s measured Data on the region’s mixture of housing provide information about the organization of communities and patterns of land use. Detached single-family homes typically provide families with more space, but consume more land and resources per resident than other types of development. Higher numbers of attached single-family homes and multi-family housing suggest denser development. Indicator results In 2000, 67.14 percent of housing in the Charlotte region was single-family detached housing, 2.78 percent was single-family attached housing, 18.25 percent was multi-family and 11.78 percent was mobile homes. These numbers were not much different from the 1990 numbers: 67.3 percent single-family detached, 2.1 percent single-family attached, 18.2 percent multi-family and 11.6 percent mobile homes. Compared to North Carolina and South Carolina as a whole, in 2000 the region had a little more single-family detached housing, about the same amount of single-family attached housing (more than South Carolina, less than North Carolina), a little more multi-family housing and fewer mobile homes. Among counties in the region, Union had the biggest percentage of single-family detached housing (82.3 percent) and Mecklenburg had the smallest percentage (60.4). Mecklenburg had the most single-family attached housing (5.1 percent), and Chester had the least (0.5 percent). Mecklenburg had by far the most multi-family housing (32.4 percent), and Anson had the least (5.5 percent). Chester County had the highest percentage of mobile homes (26.7 percent), and Mecklenburg had the lowest (2.1 percent). Evaluation The data show that housing in the Charlotte region, as in North Carolina and South Carolina, is dominated by single-family detached housing. Such a statistic is not necessarily a bad thing, but given the region’s population growth (growth that is expected to continue), the prevalence of detached single-family housing development raises concerns about sprawl and attendant traffic congestion, long commutes and loss of open space. Mecklenburg County has more multi-family and attached single-family housing, suggesting that at least one county experiencing growth may turn to a denser model of development. The share of mobile-home housing in the region grew slightly from 1990 to 2000, suggesting that it is filling a need for affordable housing in much of the region. Connections The mixture of housing types has important connections to patterns of growth in the region. Increased numbers of detached single-family homes are indicative of suburban growth, typically located in previously undeveloped areas on the outskirts of cities and towns. Higher numbers of attached single-family homes and multi-family homes suggest denser development. Housing and land-use patterns suggested by the mix of housing types provide important sociological information as well as information about the region’s consumption of public services and natural resources.
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