PLANWake includes a strategic set of performance metrics, meant to evaluate progress over time. The metrics provided in PLANWake were a starting point that are being built upon as reporting tools and strategies are developed. As outcomes are measured, results will be shared on this dashboard. Evaluation efforts will examine long, mid and short-term outcomes.

New PLANWake Metrics

Below you will find the first seven metrics tied to PLANWake outcomes. Some of the metrics have been adapted from those originally outlined in PLANWake but they all are fundamentally the same.  Each of these metrics gives us a baseline from which to monitor outcomes as initiatives associated with PLANWake are adopted. These measures will be updated over time and additional measures will be evaluated as PLANWake implementation continues.

1. Increase Household Income
^{_{PLANWake sets the goal to reduce the number of employed residents who aren't making a living wage.}}

The American Community Survey, from the Census Bureau, provides the percentage of households with incomes below $50,000. Through Countywide efforts, including the implementation of PLANWake, the goal is to see this percentage fall below 25%.

2. Increase Non-Automotive Trips 
^{_{PLANWake sets the goal of limiting the average vehicle miles traveled (VMT) as the population grows.}}

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. 

3. Protect Open Space
^{_{PLANWake sets the goal to protect parks and open space.}}

Using Wake County parcel data, the number of acres which are considered open space can be found. Through Countywide efforts, including the implementation of PLANWake, the goal is to keep 30% of Wake County as permanently protected open space.

View the map of open space here. 

4. Intentional Development 
^{_{PLANWake sets the intention to align development with the PLANWake goal of directing growth toward towns.}}

This measure looks at the development framework classification where residential units were built. The intent is to have development reflective of the goals below. 

Learn more about the Development Framework Map here.

5. Expand Access to Services for Vulnerable Populations
^{_{PLANWake sets the goal of increasing access to services for vulnerable populations.}}

Measuring 10 risk factors that may impact people and communities, the Community Resilience report from the Census Bureau gives us a point-in-time look at the percentage of Wake County residents who lived in communities with three or more risk factors in 2019. Through Countywide efforts, including the implementation of PLANWake, the goal is to see this percentage fall below 15% or 168K residents.

Currently, in Wake County, 15.4% of the population has 3+ risk factors, which equates to 168,500 residents.

Note: The Census Bureau anticipates an update to this data in the fall of 2023. 

2019 Community Resilience Estimates 
_{To find the statistics for Wake County, select the state and county. You’ll find the county profile information in the bottom right corner.}

6. Reduce the Percentage of Households Burdened by the Cost of Housing and Transportation
^{_{PLANWake sets the goal of reducing the number of households overburdened by housing and transportation costs.}}

The Housing and Transportation Affordability Index provides a point-in-time look at affordability in Wake County that combines housing and transportation costs. Through Countywide efforts, including the implementation of PLANWake, the goal is to see the combined cost of housing and transportation be no more than 45% of household income.

Currently, in Wake County, the average housing and transportation cost equals 44% of a typical household income.

Housing and Transportation Index

7. Decrease Population Experiencing Severe Housing Problems 
^{_{PLANWake sets the goal of reducing the number of households living in units with severe housing issues including overcrowding, high housing costs, or lack of kitchen or plumbing facilities.}}

The unmet housing need was identified in the 2017 Wake County Affordable Housing Plan. It calculates the number of families in Wake County who can be categorized as low-income based on HUD’s 2015 income limits. Approximately 56,000 working families who make less than $39,000 a year in Wake County are currently unable to find affordable housing (2015 estimate).

Note: This metric is scheduled for an update in 2023.

Details on this metric are coming soon.