Comparisons
California vs. the other two most closely populated regions in United States: New York and Texas
California in context: Street-network sprawl of new development
The level of street-network sprawl in new development in California peaked in 1976-1990. To get a sense of how street development has changed in California, we can consider three of its most populous cities: Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego. None of the most populous cities follow the same trend as the region. The level of street-network sprawl in new development in Los Angeles peaked in 1991-2005. The level of street-network sprawl in new development in San Francisco peaked in 1991-2005. The level of street-network sprawl in new development in San Diego peaked in 1991-2005.
How do development practices in California fare in comparison to others in United States? Most recently in 2006-2020, street construction in California was the 16th-most disconnected out of the 44 regions in United States. Its position in the ranks since 1975 has risen; relative to other regions in United States, street construction in California has become more disconnected. California ranked 29th in 1975, 30th in 1976-1990, 25th in 1991-2005 and 16th in 2006-2020.
California in context: Aggregate street-network sprawl
As of 2020, the city with the most disconnected street network in California is Mission Viejo with an SNDi of 5.52, which is very sprawly. Conversely, the most connected city is Woodland with an SNDi of 2.54, which is relatively well-connected. See trends for these cities: Woodland, Mission Viejo
The level of street-network sprawl in the aggregate network in California rose steadily. To get a sense of how the aggregate street network has changed in California, we can consider three of its most populous cities: Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego. Disconnectivity in the most populous cities in California follow the same region trend.
To date, California is the 26th-most disconnected out of the 44 regions in United States. Its position in the ranks since 1975 has risen; relative to other regions in United States, the street network in California has become more disconnected. California ranked 29th in 1975, 28th in 1976-1990, 27th in 1991-2005 and 26th in 2006-2020.