Denver Has Grown, but its Density Hasn't Changed Since 1950

The city of Denver lost its streetcar more than half a century ago, and it's been growing east ever since.

1 minute read

December 16, 2016, 10:00 AM PST

Denver is growing in a way that many American cities envy, but the popularity of the city has not led to more density. "Even after the revival of urbanism in Denver and other American cities, it turns out that most of those neighborhoods are, in fact, less populated today than they were in 1950 — which was when the last streetcar in Denver’s once-extensive network shut down," Jon Murray reports in the Denver Post.

If the city's population has increased without getting denser, the city is spreading. This sprawl creates all kinds of consequences. For instance, "[Denver residents] own cars at about twice the rate as 1950," Murray writes.

FULL STORY: Denver is absorbing a lot more people, but it’s not more densely populated than 1950

Monday, December 12, 2016 in The Denver Post

Land Use Colorado Denver Growth Streetcar Density View More

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Start Learning

Advertise with us

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.