Orange County NC Website
120 <br /> Technical Memorandum #1: Inventory of Current <br /> Organizational Direction and Service Delivery <br /> COUNTY AND REGIONAL DEMOGRAPHICS AND GEOGRAPHY <br /> This section provides an assessment of transit needs based on demographic <br /> analysis, land use patterns, and major transit origins and destinations. This evaluation <br /> includes the identification of transit-dependent populations to determine areas that <br /> have higher relative need for transit service. All this information is analyzed to <br /> determine whether the current transit services are meeting the needs of the community. <br /> The results, along with public input obtained through surveys and meetings later in the <br /> study, will be used to develop recommendations to enhance public transportation <br /> service in Orange County. <br /> General Demographic Background <br /> In 2010, the United States Census Bureau reported that the population of Orange <br /> County was 133,801. This figure was an increase of 13.2% from the 2000 population of <br /> 118,227. In 2010, the racial makeup of the County included 74.4% who identified as <br /> White alone, 11.9% as Black alone, 6.7% as Asian alone, and 8.2% as Hispanic or Latino <br /> of any race.' Nearly 21% of the total population was under 18 years old and an <br /> additional 9.6% were 65 years or older. Compared with 2000 Census data, Orange <br /> County has seen decreases in those identifying as White alone and increases in the <br /> Hispanic or Latino and Asian populations. (Further data on minority populations is <br /> provided below in the Title VI analysis.) The population under 18 years of age <br /> increased slightly, and the population aged 65 and older increased by almost 30% <br /> between 2000 and 2010.2 The growing minority and elderly populations signify an <br /> increase in potentially transit-dependent populations. The following section will <br /> elaborate further on segments of the population that may frequently rely on public <br /> transportation. <br /> Transit-Dependent Populations <br /> A critical component of analyzing transit needs is to examine segments of the <br /> population who may have higher relative need for transportation and may be more <br /> likely to use public transportation for various reasons. These population segments <br /> include those who may not have access to a personal vehicle or are unable to drive <br /> themselves due to age, disability, or income status. Identifying the locations where <br /> transit-dependent populations reside, along with the key destinations to which they <br /> 1 United States Census Bureau.DP-1 Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics:2010. <br /> 2 United States Census Bureau.DP-1 Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics:2000. <br /> OPT/CHT CTSP KFH <br /> and Consolidation Plan 1-9 <br />