Context
The chart above shows the evolution of street network disconnectedness of the most connected and most disconnected cities in United States, for both new street additions (left) and the aggregate street network (right).
United States in context: Street-network sprawl of new development
The level of street-network sprawl in new development in United States peaked in 1991-2005. To get a sense of how street development has changed in United States, we can consider three of its most populous regions: California, New York and Texas. None of the most populous cities follow the same trend as the region. The level of street-network sprawl in new development in California peaked in 1976-1990. The level of street-network sprawl in new development in New York followed a zig-zag trend with an overall increase. The level of street-network sprawl in new development in Texas rose steadily.
How do development practices in United States fare in comparison to others in the world? Most recently in 2006-2020, street construction in United States was the 128th-most disconnected out of the 179 countries in the world. Its position in the ranks since 1975 has fallen; relative to other countries in the world, street construction in United States has become more connected. United States ranked 95th in 1975, 128th in 1976-1990, 138th in 1991-2005 and 128th in 2006-2020.
The largest city in United States is New York City, with a population of 13917700 people. Taking into account the entire (i.e. aggregate) street network in New York City as of 2020, the overall level of street-network sprawl is 2.47, which is relatively well-connected. The level of street-network sprawl in new development in New York City followed a zig-zag trend with an overall increase.
United States in context: Aggregate street-network sprawl
As of 2020, the city with the most disconnected street network in United States is Beechwood with an SNDi of 7.61, which is very sprawly. Conversely, the most connected city is Waco with an SNDi of 1.32, which is very well-connected. See these two cities’ trends in the above graph, or dive deeper into each: Waco, Beechwood.
The level of street-network sprawl in the aggregate network in United States rose steadily. To get a sense of how the aggregate street network has changed in United States, we can consider three of its most populous regions: California, New York and Texas. Disconnectivity in the most populous cities in United States follow the same country trend.
To date, United States is the 115th-most disconnected out of the 179 countries in the world. Its position in the ranks since 1975 has fallen; relative to other countries in the world, the street network in United States has become more connected. United States ranked 95th in 1975, 99th in 1976-1990, 115th in 1991-2005 and 115th in 2006-2020.
The largest city in United States is New York City, with a population of 13917700 people. Taking into account the entire (i.e. aggregate) street network in New York City as of 2020, the overall level of street-network sprawl is 2.47, which is relatively well-connected. The level of street-network sprawl in the aggregate network in New York City rose steadily.