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This USA Today series analyzes the economic growth and development along East and Gulf Coasts and draws the conclusion that "41 million people - more than one in seven Americans - live in a county on the Atlantic Ocean or the Gulf of Mexico." The analysis of population and demographic trends, and building permits, finds that "coastal counties are growing significantly faster than the rest of the country in population, employment and gross domestic product." The boom among 100 coastal counties is illustrated with maps, graphics and tables. The series reveals that in spite of multiple natural threats - like long-term hurricane risk, rising sea level, fragile sands and erosion - "growth pressure keeps building" and "all levels of government foster this amenity-driven, middle-class lifestyle..."