Comparisons
North Carolina vs. the other two most closely populated regions in United States: Kentucky and Indiana
North Carolina in context: Street-network sprawl of new development
The level of street-network sprawl in new development in North Carolina peaked in 1991-2005. To get a sense of how street development has changed in North Carolina, we can consider three of its most populous cities: Charlotte, New Hope and Greensboro. None of the most populous cities follow the same trend as the region. The level of street-network sprawl in new development in Charlotte peaked in 1976-1990. The level of street-network sprawl in new development in New Hope followed a zig-zag trend with an overall increase. The level of street-network sprawl in new development in Greensboro rose steadily.
How do development practices in North Carolina fare in comparison to others in United States? Most recently in 2006-2020, street construction in North Carolina was the 36th-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 North Carolina has become more disconnected. North Carolina ranked 41st in 1975, 38th in 1976-1990, 40th in 1991-2005 and 36th in 2006-2020.
North Carolina in context: Aggregate street-network sprawl
As of 2020, the city with the most disconnected street network in North Carolina is Carmel Commons with an SNDi of 5.84, which is very sprawly. Conversely, the most connected city is Greensboro with an SNDi of 2.55, which is relatively well-connected. See trends for these cities: Greensboro, Carmel Commons
The level of street-network sprawl in the aggregate network in North Carolina rose steadily. To get a sense of how the aggregate street network has changed in North Carolina, we can consider three of its most populous cities: Charlotte, New Hope and Greensboro. Disconnectivity in the most populous cities in North Carolina follow the same region trend.
To date, North Carolina is the 42nd-most disconnected out of the 44 regions in United States. Its position in the ranks since 1975 has fallen; relative to other regions in United States, the street network in North Carolina has become more connected. North Carolina ranked 41st in 1975, 41st in 1976-1990, 42nd in 1991-2005 and 42nd in 2006-2020.