III. COMMUNITY PROFILE
Rockwall's Sub-Regional Location Rockwall County's land area of 128.7 square miles classifies it as the smallest county in the State. Population in the County has increased by 68.25% from a 1990 Census population of 25,604 to the Census 2000 population of 43,080. Similarly, the City of Rockwall saw a 75% population increase from a 1990 Census estimate of 10,486 to a Census 2000 estimate of 17,976. According to the Rockwall Planning Department the current population is estimated to be 35,000. The virtual doubling of the population within the last nine years is due to rapid development and the annexation of developments previously outside of the city limits of Rockwall. The projected 2020 population is expected to be 47,500 according to the North Central Texas Council of Governments. The ultimate population of Rockwall is expected to be 66,200.
The City of Rockwall is the county seat and its location on the eastern shore of Lake Ray Hubbard and either side of Interstate Highway 30 has made it an attractive area for both residential and nonresidential development. This latter growth is occurring in a corridor along the Interstate and will likely continue to be an area of major employment and business in the subregional area.
The City of Rockwall is the largest of four cities in Rockwall County. The other cities in the County include Heath, Fate and Royse City, which lies in Rockwall, Collin and Hunt Counties. The region can expect the Interstate Highway's influence on access into the metroplex area and the quality of life found in each community to continue similar future annual rates of growth. Eventually, this growth will dissipate into lesser developed areas of the County.
Immigration of people into the Rockwall area will continue to impact local recreational facilities and programs. Recreational facilities throughout the county, both public and private, have sensed the pressure for additional spaces. The 2008 Citizens Survey conducted by Turco & Associates illustrated a need and support for additional recreational facilities to accommodate Rockwall’s escalating population.
The continued evaluation of the local park system and recreational trends will ensure the provision of needed recreational facilities for all of Rockwall’s residents.
City of Rockwall Parks & Open Space Master Plan 2010-2020
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