The tri-county region gained approximately 189,000 residents during this period. One consequence of this growth is longer commute times. This indicator continues its upward trend since first measured in 1994. Private financial support of the arts in the tri-county region is about four times greater than public support. While the exact housing affordability gap is difficult to assess, housing data indicate the gap is widening and most pronounced in households at very low income and poverty categories.
Residents enjoy a community rich in parks and open spaces.