In this article, we will be taking a look at the 5 most sprawling cities in the US. If you want to learn more about the urban sprawl in the US, visit 20 Most Sprawling Cities in the US.
5. Ontario, California
Insider Monkey Score: 0.8
The Inland Empire, including Ontario, is known for its sprawling characteristics. The Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario metro area ranks high on the Sprawl Index. This sprawling development has led to a high dependency on cars due to limited public transportation. Additionally, the region has seen rapid population growth in recent decades, often surpassing the pace of infrastructure development and resulting in extensive suburban expansion.
4. Greenville, South Carolina
Insider Monkey Score: 0.85
Greenville, South Carolina stands fourth among the most sprawling cities in the US. Greenville has seen a substantial increase in population, contributing to its sprawling nature. The city’s population grew from 58,409 in 2010 to 70,720 in 2020, representing a 21.1% increase over the decade. Greenville’s economic growth has also significantly contributed to its sprawl. Employment increased by 2.9% from 2021 to 2022, and the city’s median household income of $58,259 exceeds the state average. The influx of major corporations and manufacturing facilities has spurred the development of industrial parks and office complexes on the city’s outskirts.
3. Clarksville, Tennessee
Insider Monkey Score: 0.9
Clarksville has seen a substantial increase in population, with 176,974 residents as of 2024 and stands among the cities in the US that has the most sprawl. The city has become a magnet for new businesses and job opportunities. Over the next four years, Moody’s predicts Clarksville’s job market will grow by 9%, which is twice the national average. This economic boom has attracted more people to the area, fueling urban expansion. The city has attracted significant industrial investments. For example, LG Chem is building a 420-acre EV battery plant in Clarksville, which will further drive economic growth and urban expansion.
2. Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Insider Monkey Score: 0.95
Baton Rouge’s urban sprawl is characterized by low-density development, heavy reliance on automobiles, and the expansion of the city limits into previously rural areas. Baton Rouge’s growth was influenced by its location on the Istrouma Bluff, the first natural bluff upriver from the Mississippi River Delta. As the city expanded, it did so outward rather than upward. The city experienced a 340% population increase between 1940 and 1956, largely due to the growth of the petrochemical industry during and after World War II. Recent efforts in Baton Rouge have focused on reviving Mid-City neighborhoods, addressing disinvestment in North Baton Rouge, widening I-10, and overhauling the City-Park/LSU Lakes.
1. Hickory, North Carolina
Insider Monkey Score: 1.0
Hickory, North Carolina tops the list for being the most sprawling city in the US. To address sprawl, Hickory has implemented several sustainable development initiatives. The city approved a $40 million bond referendum, securing an additional $50 million in grants. The Hickory Trail Project, a 10-mile trail system, aims to enhance bicycle and pedestrian connectivity, reducing car reliance. Additionally, the development of the 378-acre Trivium Corporate Center seeks to attract corporate headquarters and advanced manufacturing, concentrating economic activity.
To learn about more more sprawling cities, visit 20 Most Sprawling Cities in the US.
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