| Background Report
Population and Growth Trends
By many measures, Southwest County is the fastest growing of the twelve planning sectors in Knox County. The Southwest County Sector led all others with one-quarter of all new subdivision lots in the county within the past ten years. Nearly 2000 acres have been developed as single family residential, greatly expanding the need for public and private services. An additional 345 acres have been converted to office and commercial development, serving sector residents and others in nearby counties. Many infrastructure improvements have been necessitated, including water and wastewater utilities and improved roads. Development of community facilities including neighborhood parks and schools has not kept up with the pace of household growth.
- According to 2000 Census figures, population for the Southwest County Sector reached 56,419.
- The estimated current population in Southwest County is 60,757.
- Between 1990 and 2000, total population grew by 16,429 or 41.1 percent.
- School age population (ages 5-18) grew by 4,148 or 49.6 percent, the highest in the county.
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Figure 1: Population Change
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New residential development has taken place at the Westland Drive/I-140 interchange.
Demographic Characteristics
Changes in population and housing characteristics influence land use and capital improvements. With land still available for development, the population is expected to continue growing, requiring additional investments in infrastructure and public facilities.
- Table 1 shows housing characteristics, including average household size.
- Table 2 shows population by race, sex and age.
- Nearly 96 percent of the adult population are high school graduates, with more than half attaining a college degree.
- The average household income, more than $105,500, is the highest among the sectors, nearly double the household income of all but West City and Northwest County sectors.
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Table 1: Household by Type
Household by Type |
1990 |
2000 |
|
Total Households |
14,519 |
21,222 |
|
Families |
11,593 |
16.223 |
 Married Couples |
10,350 |
14,416 |
Single Parent Families w/children under 18 |
Male Headed |
121 |
428 |
Female Headed |
609 |
1,379 |
|
Non-family Households (HH) |
2,926 |
4,999 |
HH w/individuals under 18 years |
n/a |
8,412 |
HH w/individuals 65 years
and over |
n/a |
3,596 |
Average Household Size |
2.7 |
2.65 |
Average Family Size |
n/a |
3.01 (estimated) |
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Total Housing Units |
15,214 |
22,428 |
Owner Occupied |
12,026 |
17,962 |
Renter Occupied |
2,493 |
3,260 |
Seasonal Use |
n/a |
85 |
Vacant |
695 |
1,206 |
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Table 2: Population by Race, Sex, and Age
Population by Race, Sex and Age |
1990 |
2000 |
|
Sex |
|
|
Male
|
19,595 |
27,767 |
Female
|
20,395 |
28,652 |
Total
|
39,990 |
56,419 |
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Age Group |
|
|
Under 5 years
|
3,061 |
3,486 |
5 to 9 years
|
3,206 |
4,287 |
10 to 14 years
|
2,884 |
4,827 |
15 to 19 years
|
2,695 |
3,836 |
20 to 24 years
|
1,905 |
2,145 |
25 to 34 years
|
6,467 |
6,379 |
35 to 44 years
|
8,366 |
10,605 |
45 to 54 years
|
5,214 |
10,141 |
55 to 59 years
|
1,685 |
3,259 |
60 to 64 years
|
1,484 |
2,137 |
|
65 to 74 years |
1,910 |
3,161 |
75 to 84 years
|
806 |
1,678 |
85 years and over
|
165 |
478 |
Median Age |
34.7 |
39.1 |
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Race |
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White
|
38,364 |
52,979 |
Black
|
767 |
1,259 |
Other
|
859 |
1,694 |
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