Newport Comprehensive Land Use Plan - Existing Conditions | страница 57

5 Housing

Density

The density of Newport in 2014 was 3,098 persons per square mile of land area. According to the 2014 U.S. Census
Bureau’s American Community Survey, population in the City of Newport declined 1.43%, 24,957 persons in 2010 to
24,599 persons in 2014. Similar trends can be seen by using the 2000 Decennial Census. In the year 2000, Newport
had a population of 26,476, which equates to a population density of 3,334 persons per square mile. This represents a
seven percent decrease in population density from 2000 to 2014.
A more accurate depiction of Newport’s density can be seen on Map 5-1, which shows information regarding the
density of Newport’s housing stock. As can be expected, the housing density is greatest in the compact Downtown,
Harbor / Lower Thames, Broadway, Kerry Hill / van Zandt, and The Point neighborhoods. These neighborhoods are
characterized by Newport’s colonial heritage and have higher housing density due to their narrow streets and small
lot sizes. Housing density is at its lowest in the Bellevue Avenue and Estates, Ocean Drive, Lily / Almy Pond, and North
End Commercial neighborhoods. These neighborhoods characteristically have large lots and large amounts of open
space. The North End Commercial neighborhood has a low housing density due to the fact that it is home to Naval
Station Newport and their training facilities.
Lot size and density are not the only factors affecting housing costs in Newport. Location, scarcity, and neighborhood
character also can increase prices. These factors combine with lot size to raise property values in the Ocean Drive
neighborhood. Likewise, multi-family developments on the harbor have relatively little or no yard area, but their
water views make them very expensive to purchase. Newport’s historic neighborhoods such as The Point and Historic
Hill have very small lots; however, the esthetics of the beautifully restored old homes and gardens make these
properties among the city's most expensive real estate.
Table 5-2 displays the 2000, 2010, and 2014 total housing
units and a breakdown of each housing type found in
Newport. While there were 707 additional housing units
between 2000 and 2010, that number decreased by 763
within the next four years. The increase in total housing units
between 2000 and 2010 is largely due to housing structures
with one to four units. Housing structures with five or more
units actually declined in this time period. However, this
trend reversed between 2010 and 2014, with housing
structures with five or more units increasing, and one- to
four-unit structures decreasing.

Draft Existing Conditions (March 2016)

The housing trend in Newport
has shifted away from 1- to 4unit structures between 2000
and 2010. This housing type has
declined, while housing
structures with five or more units
has increased.

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