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Population Growth
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For a graphical
representation of Exeter's historic population
and growth projections, click here.
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Since
1990, there has been a 10.7%
increase in population for
Exeter, RI. Its population density
increased from 94.6 people per square mile to
104.7 people per square mile.
The percentage change in population
for Washington County from 1990-2000 was 12.3%,
whereas all other counties increased less than
5%.
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Uncontrolled growth adversely affects
tax rates, character, environmental quality and the
town's ability to provide municipal and educational
services to its citizens. The shortage of classroom
space and rising costs of education are one example
of the negative results of growth already evident in
Exeter, RI. For a graphical representation of student
enrollment in Exeter, click here.
Furthermore, over a seven year period from 1988 to 1995,
the municipal budget for Exeter has increased by 177%,
and educational expenses account for almost three-fourths
of the increase.
This population increase is a good
example of urban sprawl in RI. Over the past 10 years,
there has been a growing trend of developing less urbanized
areas for residential uses, which is allowed by current
zoning regulations. Not only
do people want to move away from city centers, but they
want to move away from suburban centers. However, this
trend is only accessible to a privileged few, but has
cumulative impacts on many. The loss of open
space and increased pressures on formerly rural
infrastructures has made "urban sprawl" one
of the biggest issues on people's minds, as witnessed
in the previous 2000 Presidential Campaign.
Washington County, as well as Exeter,
has historically been a rural community. With the current
trends of "suburban sprawl," communities must
be proactive to keep their rural character. While it
is not logical, possible, or even desirable to want
"no growth" in one's town, growth
management options are available, and when implemented
correctly, can lead to attractive, environmentally sustainable
development.
For more information about sprawl,
the Sierra Club has a website
with links to current research and information about
this issue.
To view more tables and graphs depicting
population density by town, the % change in population
by county, or the RI population table at the 2000 Census
Statewide Planning website, click
here. This is an interesting way to look
at how your community stacks up in comparison to others
regionally.
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