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Figure 2.12
from Irvine at 50: A Tale of Continuity and Change
by University of California, Irvine - School of Social Ecology
Figure 2.12
Figure 2.13 compares Irvine to other cities based on changes in population, home ownership, and commute times. Some key findings:
• Notably, population size has shown a dramatic rise over this time period (blue line). In 1970, the population of Irvine was about the same size as the average city. This rose to 65% larger in 1980 and by 1990, Irvine was more than 100% larger than the average city.
This trend has continued in the last three decades; Irvine is now 270% larger than the average city.
• Despite its suburban nature, the population density of Irvine also has grown over this time period (red line). Whereas the density was 45% less than the average city in 1980, it had risen to same level of population density by 2000. Irvine now has nearly 33% more density than the average city.
• Also belying its suburban roots, Irvine is not predominantly a city of homeowners. From 1970 to 1990 the proportion homeowners in Irvine was 10%-20% larger than the average city (green line). However, in recent years the large number of rental units built has changed that proportion, and in the last two decades Irvine has a smaller owner proportion (about 20% less) than the average city.
• Despite the large growth in housing, the average commute time of residents has actually fallen over time (purple line), a result of the large increase in the number of jobs in the city over this time period. Whereas the average commute time for Irvine residents was 15%-20% longer than the average city in 1980 and 1990, since then it has been the same as the average city.
