PLANWake tracks progress toward a more sustainable, well-planned Wake County. This dashboard presents key performance metrics that build on the framework outlined in the comprehensive plan. These indicators provide a baseline for measuring progress and help evaluate long-term, mid-term, and short-term outcomes as PLANWake initiatives are implemented. While some metrics have been adapted from those originally outlined in PLANWake, all reflect the plan’s guiding principles. These measures will be updated over time, with additional indicators introduced as implementation continues.

1. Intentional Development 
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This measure looks at the development framework classification where residential units were built. According to PLANWake, 97% of new growth and development should occur in Community (yellow), Transit-focused (orange) and Walkable (purple) areas. Rural (dark green) and Community Reserve (light green) would increase by 3% during the same time span. By compiling the approved new single unit and multi-unit residential developments from the various Wake County jurisdictions and aligning this with the five development framework classifications identified in Wake County's Comprehensive Plan (PLANWake), Wake County is able to determine where development is occurring each year.

The visuals below illustrate development trends by framework classification since the implementation of PLANWake in 2021.  

Learn more about the Development Framework Map here.

2. Transportation

A. Non-Automotive Trips 

Using the estimated vehicle miles traveled (VMT) number provided by NCDOT, divided by the Census Bureau’s estimate of population, we get the average VMT in Wake County. Through Countywide efforts, including the implementation of PLANWake, the goal is to see this number stay consistent or decrease, even as the population increases. 

B. Commuting Patterns

Commuting patterns reveal how Wake County workers travel to and from jobs.

• Inflows represent workers commuting into Wake County.
• Outflows represent Wake County residents traveling outside the county for work.
• Internal Trips represent residents who live and work in Wake County.

These patterns reflect regional economic connections and the relationship between housing, jobs and transportation. Understanding these shifts helps align land use, infrastructure and economic development strategies.

Using numbers generated by the US Census, the information below shows the inflow/outflow and internal travel patterns for Wake County.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, OnTheMap Application and LEHD Origin-Destination Employment Statistics (All Jobs, Beginning of Quarter Employment, 2nd Quarter of 2002-2022).

3. Small Area Plan Currency 

Area plans help implement PLANWake by guiding growth and development in a way that reflects community priorities and long-term sustainability. These plans provide a framework for managing growth, guiding development and addressing community priorities at a local level. To ensure these plans remain effective and responsive to changing conditions, they are regularly evaluated using key performance metrics and scheduled for an update every five to seven years. Additionally, the area plans offer an opportunity to reassess PLANWake’s Development Framework map in context with this localized land use planning, and if necessary, adopt amendments.

The table below shows PLANWake’s defined area plans, their last update and the total acreage covered.
 

Status and Updates of Wake County Area Plans 

The map below shows the seven area plans and the year they were last updated. For more information about each area plan, you can visit: Area Plans | Wake County Government.

4. Annexations Within the Development Framework Map

Annexation plays a key role in how Wake County’s communities grow and develop. Since PLANWake’s adoption, municipal annexations have been tracked annually and evaluated within the context of the Development Framework geographies.

By directing development toward designated growth areas, Wake County and its municipalities can promote sustainable expansion, protect rural landscapes and support alignment with intentional development. PLANWake aims to discourage annexations into Community Reserve and Rural areas, ensuring that growth aligns with long-term land use strategies. 

The table below tracks municipal annexations in Wake County since 2021, when PLANWake was adopted, illustrating how growth aligns with the PLANWake Development Framework geographies.

Annexations Since 2021 by Development Framework Classification 

5. Greenspace and Conservation

Wake County’s natural areas play a crucial role in sustaining environmental health, enhancing quality of life and supporting resilience as the region grows. PLANWake prioritizes the protection of greenspace, ensuring that forests, parks and conservation lands remain an integral part of the county’s landscape.

Through a variety of coordinated efforts—including land conservation, sustainable development practices, and strategic planning—Wake County is working to preserve its natural environment while balancing growth and ecological stewardship. Initiatives such as the Voluntary Agricultural Districts through the Farmland Preservation Program and Open Space Program help safeguard critical natural and agricultural resources for future generations. 

Using Wake County parcel data, the total acreage of Parks, Greenway, Mitigation and Open Space – collectively designated as Greenspace – is tracked over time. Similarly, using Wake County Soil & Water data, the total acreage of Voluntary Agricultural Districts, Enhanced Voluntary Agricultural Districts, and Agricultural Conservation Easements – collectively designated as Conservation – is tracked over time. The visual below shows the amount of Greenspace and Conservation land since PLANWake’s adoption.  

_{The PLANWake metrics were last updated on 4/28/2025.}