Plan Trend 2050 shows rural residential zones to be completely developed by 2020 and all further growth is constrained to Urban Growth Boundaries. Average rural population density is 65 people per square mile (compared to 63 in 1990).

Development 2050 assumes a general relaxing of restrictions on where new rural residences may occur. This results in over 55,000 acres of high quality farmland being converted to rural residential uses. Coincidentally, the development of yards, gardens and hobby farms on former agricultural lands results in an increase in species diversity.

In Conservation 2050 some rural development occurs outside UGBs but will be clustered into groups which allows for more native habitat. Land developers would be encouraged to use this pattern of development through financial, tax, and regulatory incentives. Average rural population density is 58 people per square mile.