This statistics shows the top 20 fastest growing large-metropolitan areas in the United States between July 1st, 2022 and July 1st, 2023. The total population in the Wilmington, North Carolina, metropolitan area increased by 0.05 percent from 2022 to 2023.

This statistic shows the population growth rate of the top twenty largest urban agglomerations in the United States from 2000 to 2030. Between 2025 and 2030, the average annual population growth rate of the New York-Newark agglomeration is projected to be roughly **** percent.

This graph shows the 15 fastest growing cities in the United States, by percentage increase in population, from the period April 1, 2010 to July 1, 2011. Over this time New Orleans was the fastest growing city at a rate of 4.9 percent.

Human capital growth, defined as the change in the fraction of a metropolitan area's labor force with a bachelor's degree, is typically viewed as generating a number of desirable outcomes, including economic growth. Yet, in spite of its importance, few empirical studies have explored why some economies accumulate more human capital than others. This paper attempts to do so using a sample of more than 200 metropolitan areas in the United States over the years 1980, 1990, and 2000. The results reveal two consistently significant correlates of human capital growth: population and the existing stock of college-educated labor. Given that population growth and human capital growth are both positively associated with education, these results suggest that the geographic distributions of population and human capital should have become more concentrated in recent decades. That is, larger, more-educated metropolitan areas should have exhibited the fastest rates of increase in both population and education and thus 'pulled away' from smaller, less-education metropolitan areas. The evidence largely supports this conclusion.

This multi-scale map shows counts of the total population the US. Data is from U.S. Census Bureau's 2020 PL 94-171 data for county, tract, block group, and block.County and metro area highlights:The largest county in the United States in 2020 remains Los Angeles County with over 10 million people.The largest city (incorporated place) in the United States in 2020 remains New York with 8.8 million people.312 of the 384 U.S. metro areas gained population between 2010 and 2020.The fastest-growing U.S. metro area between the 2010 Census and 2020 Census was The Villages, FL, which grew 39% from about 93,000 people to about 130,000 people.72 U.S. metro areas lost population from the 2010 Census to the 2020 Census. The U.S. metro areas with the largest percentage declines were Pine Bluff, AR, and Danville, IL, at -12.5 percent and -9.1 percent, respectively.View more 2020 Census statistics highlights on local populations changes.

Human capital growth, defined as the change in the fraction of a metropolitan area's labor force with a bachelor's degree, is typically viewed as generating a number of desirable outcomes, including economic growth. Yet, in spite of its importance, few empirical studies have explored why some economies accumulate more human capital than others. This paper attempts to do so using a sample of more than 200 metropolitan areas in the United States over the years 1980, 1990, and 2000. The results reveal two consistently significant correlates of human capital growth: population and the existing stock of college-educated labor. Given that population growth and human capital growth are both positively associated with education, these results suggest that the geographic distributions of population and human capital should have become more concentrated in recent decades. That is, larger, more-educated metropolitan areas should have exhibited the fastest rates of increase in both population and education and thus 'pulled away' from smaller, less-education metropolitan areas. The evidence largely supports this conclusion.

In 2020, about 82.66 percent of the total population in the United States lived in cities and urban areas. As the United States was one of the earliest nations to industrialize, it has had a comparatively high rate of urbanization over the past two centuries. The urban population became larger than the rural population during the 1910s, and by the middle of the century it is expected that almost 90 percent of the population will live in an urban setting. Regional development of urbanization in the U.S. The United States began to urbanize on a larger scale in the 1830s, as technological advancements reduced the labor demand in agriculture, and as European migration began to rise. One major difference between early urbanization in the U.S. and other industrializing economies, such as the UK or Germany, was population distribution. Throughout the 1800s, the Northeastern U.S. became the most industrious and urban region of the country, as this was the main point of arrival for migrants. Disparities in industrialization and urbanization was a key contributor to the Union's victory in the Civil War, not only due to population sizes, but also through production capabilities and transport infrastructure. The Northeast's population reached an urban majority in the 1870s, whereas this did not occur in the South until the 1950s. As more people moved westward in the late 1800s, not only did their population growth increase, but the share of the urban population also rose, with an urban majority established in both the West and Midwest regions in the 1910s. The West would eventually become the most urbanized region in the 1960s, and over 90 percent of the West's population is urbanized today. Urbanization today New York City is the most populous city in the United States, with a population of 8.3 million, while California has the largest urban population of any state. California also has the highest urbanization rate, although the District of Columbia is considered 100 percent urban. Only four U.S. states still have a rural majority, these are Maine, Mississippi, Montana, and West Virginia.

Chart and table of population level and growth rate for the Boise City metro area from 1950 to 2025.

The Urban Growth Area is used to manage future growth around densely populated areas. The urban growth area is the city/town and adjacent unincorporated growth area identified by the cities/towns/county to receive urban growth in the future. Outside of the boundary only rural growth is permissible.

Correction to this data can only be made through a Comprehensive Plan change or at the direction of Thurston County Long Range Planning due to a scrivener's error. The 1990 Washington State Growth Management Act requires the state's fastest growing cities and counties to designate UGAs around each city and town to accommodate the expected population growth over the next 20 years. In Thurston County, UGAs surround Bucoda, Lacey, Olympia, Rainier, Tumwater, Tenino, and Yelm. The current boundaries of the UGAs were established in 1990 and updated via the 2015 adoption of the Thurston County Comprehensive Plan: CHAPTER II - LAND USE II.URBAN GROWTH AREAS History and Purpose of Thurston County's Urban Growth Areas: In 1983, Thurston County, along with the cities of Olympia, Lacey and Tumwater, blazed the trail for growth management in Washington State by signing an interlocal government agreement called the "Urban Growth Management Agreement." That early agreement included an Urban Growth Management Boundary around the three cities to serve as a limit for the cities' expansion for 20 years. The purposes of the county's original growth areas remain relevant today: To provide for higher intensity development around the county's incorporated cities and towns and unincorporated community centers in order to concentrate development in areas where minimal impact to the environment, natural resources and rural atmosphere will occur. To minimize public costs and conserve energy by using services and facilities efficiently through concentration of development and integration of jobs, shopping, services and housing. To phase urban growth and infill with the provision of urban public services and facilities. One of the main effects of an urban growth area is to provide a limit for the extension of urban utilities, especially sewer service. To that end, overall residential density in urban growth areas should be high enough to support urban public services and to provide affordable housing choices. There should be a variety of housing types, with most densities ranging from 4 to 16 dwelling units per acre. Map M-14 identifies the urban growth areas for each city or town in Thurston County. The UGAs must accommodate the urban growth projected over the next 20 years including a reasonable market factor. Policies and actions emphasize the provision of urban land uses and services and include provisions specifically aimed at reducing low density residential sprawl. Joint plans established with each city and town include planning policies for each UGA. Joint plans are contained in separate documents, but are incorporated as part of the Thurston County Comprehensive Plan. Detailed land use designations for all UGAs around cities and towns are provided in the following joint plans (Map M-14 is keyed to the numbering below):Olympia/Thurston County Joint PlanLacey/Thurston County Joint Plan Tumwater/Thurston County Joint PlanYelm/Thurston County Joint PlanRainier/Thurston County Joint PlanTenino/Thurston County Joint PlanBucoda/Thurston County Joint PlanList of Map Correction's (Correction can only be made through a Comprehensive Plan change or at the direction of Thurston County Long Range Planning due to a scrivener's error.)Made on 5 AUG 2014 by KLW. Made on 15 July 2016 by KAH. - Correction of scrivener's error in Tenino UGA Boundary at the Teitge Annexations. This error was due to parcel and city mapping issues. The UGA has been fixed to be consistent with the parcel legal descriptions and the legal description included in the annexation ordinance approved by the City of Tenino, and the annexation approved by the Boundary Review Board.

Metro Ethernet Services Market Outlook

According to our latest research, the global Metro Ethernet Services market size in 2024 is valued at USD 68.5 billion, demonstrating robust expansion driven by escalating demand for high-speed, reliable, and scalable connectivity solutions across diverse sectors. The market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.2% during the forecast period, reaching approximately USD 164.6 billion by 2033. The accelerating adoption of cloud-based applications, digital transformation initiatives, and the proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT) devices are the primary growth factors fueling this market’s remarkable trajectory.

The growth of the Metro Ethernet Services market is predominantly propelled by the increasing need for high-bandwidth and low-latency connectivity among enterprises and service providers. As organizations embrace digital transformation, there is a mounting requirement for robust and agile network infrastructures that can support cloud computing, unified communications, and real-time data analytics. Metro Ethernet services, with their inherent scalability and flexibility, have emerged as the preferred choice for enterprises seeking to interconnect multiple locations within metropolitan areas. The rise of data-intensive applications, such as video conferencing, online collaboration tools, and big data analytics, further amplifies the demand for reliable and high-performance Metro Ethernet solutions.

Another critical growth driver for the Metro Ethernet Services market is the ongoing evolution of smart cities and the rapid expansion of IoT ecosystems. Governments and municipalities across the globe are investing heavily in smart infrastructure to enhance urban living, optimize resource management, and improve public safety. Metro Ethernet networks serve as the backbone for these smart city initiatives, enabling seamless connectivity for surveillance systems, traffic management, public Wi-Fi, and other IoT-enabled services. The increasing deployment of 5G networks also augments the need for robust Ethernet backhaul solutions, further strengthening the market outlook for Metro Ethernet services.

Moreover, the growing trend of remote and hybrid work environments has accelerated the adoption of Metro Ethernet services among businesses of all sizes. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the importance of resilient and secure connectivity for maintaining business continuity and supporting distributed workforces. Enterprises are increasingly leveraging Metro Ethernet to establish secure connections between branch offices, data centers, and cloud platforms, ensuring uninterrupted access to critical applications and data. The flexibility to scale bandwidth on demand and the ability to support diverse applications make Metro Ethernet an indispensable component of modern enterprise networking strategies.

From a regional perspective, North America and Asia Pacific currently dominate the Metro Ethernet Services market, accounting for a substantial share of global revenue. North America’s leadership is attributed to the presence of advanced IT infrastructure, widespread adoption of cloud services, and a large concentration of technology-driven enterprises. Meanwhile, Asia Pacific is witnessing the fastest growth, driven by rapid urbanization, increasing investments in digital infrastructure, and the proliferation of connected devices. Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa are also experiencing steady growth, fueled by digitalization initiatives and rising demand for high-speed connectivity in both urban and rural areas.

Service Type Analysis

The Service Type segment of the Metro Ethernet Services market is categorized into E-Line, E-LAN, E-Tree, E-Access, and Others. Among these, the E-Line service type holds the largest market share, owing to its simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and widespread adoption among enterprises seeking point-to-point connectivity. E-Line services are particularly favored by organizations req

Chart and table of population level and growth rate for the Nashville metro area from 1950 to 2025.

Reflects housing density depicting where humans and their structures meet or intermix with wildland fuels.Colorado is one of the fastest growing states in the Nation, with much of this growth occurring outside urban boundaries. This increase in population across the state will impact counties and communities that are located within the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI). The WUI is described as the area where structures and other human improvements meet and intermingle with undeveloped wildland or vegetative fuels. Population growth within the WUI substantially increases the risk from wildfire.The Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) layer reflects housing density depicting where humans and their structures meet or intermix with wildland fuels. In the past, conventional wildland-urban interface data sets, such as USFS SILVIS, have been used to reflect these concerns. However, USFS SILVIS and other existing data sources did not provide the level of detail needed by the Colorado State Forest Service and local fire protection agencies, particularly reflecting encroachment into urban core areas.The new WUI data set is derived using advanced modeling techniques based on the Where People Live (housing density) data set and 2021 LandScan USA population count data available from the Department of Homeland Security, HSIP data. WUI is simply a subset of the Where People Live data set. The primary difference is populated areas surrounded by sufficient non-burnable areas (i.e. interior urban areas) are removed from the Where People Live data set, as these areas are not expected to be directly impacted by a wildfire. Fringe urban areas, i.e. those on the edge of urban areas directly adjacent to burnable fuels are included in the WUI. Advanced encroachment algorithms were used to define these fringe areas.Data is modeled at a 20-meter grid cell resolution, which is consistent with other CO-WRA layers. The WUI classes are based on the number of houses per acre. Class breaks are based on densities well understood and commonly used for fire protection planning.

Heliports Market Outlook

The global heliports market size is projected to grow significantly from USD 5.3 billion in 2023 to USD 7.8 billion by 2032, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.2%. The growth of this market is primarily driven by the increasing demand for efficient and quick transport solutions, particularly in urban areas, and the rising utilization of helicopters in various sectors such as healthcare, military, and tourism.

One of the primary growth factors for the heliports market is the burgeoning demand for emergency medical services. With the need for rapid patient transportation in critical conditions, there is a substantial demand for helicopter landing facilities at hospitals and dedicated emergency response heliports. This is further supported by government initiatives and funding aimed at improving healthcare infrastructure, particularly in remote and underserved areas. The integration of advanced navigation aids and lighting systems to ensure safe and efficient helicopter operations is also contributing to market growth.

Another significant driver is the rising use of helicopters in military applications. The global defense sector is seeing increased investments in helicopter fleets for purposes such as troop transportation, surveillance, and search and rescue missions. This necessitates the development of sophisticated heliports equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to support military operations. Additionally, the modernization of existing military heliports to accommodate advanced helicopter models is expected to fuel market expansion.

The commercial sector is also playing a crucial role in the growth of the heliports market. Helicopters are becoming a popular mode of transport for business travel, tourism, and cargo delivery, particularly in regions with challenging terrains and heavy traffic congestion. The development of surface-level and elevated heliports in urban centers and tourist destinations is anticipated to boost market growth. Furthermore, the adoption of urban air mobility (UAM) solutions, including air taxis, is likely to drive the demand for heliports in the coming years.

From a regional perspective, North America is expected to hold a significant share of the heliports market, driven by high investments in healthcare and defense sectors. The presence of major helicopter manufacturers and advanced infrastructure in the United States and Canada is also propelling market growth. Meanwhile, the Asia Pacific region is anticipated to witness the fastest growth due to increasing urbanization, economic development, and government initiatives to enhance transportation infrastructure. Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa are also expected to show steady growth, with significant investments in both commercial and military heliports.

Type Analysis

The heliports market is segmented into surface-level heliports, elevated heliports, and shipboard heliports. Surface-level heliports are the most common type, typically found in hospitals, corporate buildings, and urban areas. These heliports are relatively easier to construct and maintain, making them a popular choice for both private and public sector applications. The increasing demand for commercial and emergency medical services is driving the growth of surface-level heliports, particularly in urban centers where quick and easy access is crucial.

Elevated heliports, often located on the rooftops of buildings, are gaining traction in densely populated cities where ground space is limited. These heliports provide a viable solution for urban air mobility, enabling helicopters to bypass traffic congestion and provide swift transportation. The rise in high-rise buildings and skyscrapers in metropolitan areas is further contributing to the demand for elevated heliports. Additionally, the development of advanced construction techniques and materials is facilitating the safe and efficient construction of elevated heliports.

Shipboard heliports are specialized landing platforms on ships, commonly used in the military, oil and gas industry, and maritime transportation. These heliports are designed to withstand harsh marine conditions and provide safe landing and take-off for helicopters. The increasing exploration and production activities in offshore oil and gas fields are driving the demand for shipboard heliports. Moreover, the growing use of helicopters for maritime search and rescue operations is expected to boost the market for shipboard heliports.

Each type of heliport

Small Shield Machine Market Outlook

The global market size for Small Shield Machines was valued at approximately USD 3.5 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach around USD 6.8 billion by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.5% during the forecast period from 2024 to 2032. This growth is primarily driven by increasing urbanization, the need for efficient underground construction solutions, and advancements in tunneling technology.

Urbanization is one of the primary growth factors driving the Small Shield Machine market. With the global population increasingly moving towards urban areas, the demand for infrastructure development has surged. This has necessitated the construction of new metros, subways, underground utilities, and road tunnels to accommodate the growing urban sprawl. Small Shield Machines offer an efficient and effective solution for such subterranean construction projects, thereby fueling their market demand. Additionally, advancements in technology have led to significant improvements in the efficiency and capability of these machines, further propelling market growth.

The increasing focus on sustainable infrastructure development is another key growth factor for the Small Shield Machine market. Governments and private entities are investing heavily in the construction of energy-efficient, resilient, and environmentally friendly infrastructure. Small Shield Machines are particularly well-suited for projects that require minimal disruption to the surface environment, making them ideal for urban environments. This has led to a rise in their adoption for a variety of applications, including tunneling for utilities, transportation, and mining.

Another significant factor contributing to market growth is the rise in mega infrastructure projects globally. Countries like China, India, and the United States are investing in large-scale infrastructure projects to boost economic growth and improve public services. These projects often require extensive underground construction, making Small Shield Machines indispensable. Furthermore, the increasing awareness about the long-term cost savings and safety benefits associated with using advanced tunneling machines has also encouraged their adoption, contributing to market expansion.

In terms of regional outlook, the Asia Pacific region is expected to dominate the Small Shield Machine market during the forecast period. Rapid urbanization, significant infrastructure investments, and the presence of some of the fastest-growing economies in the world contribute to the region's leading position. North America and Europe are also anticipated to show considerable growth due to ongoing infrastructure modernization initiatives and the replacement of aging tunneling equipment. Latin America and the Middle East & Africa, although smaller markets, are expected to witness steady growth driven by urbanization and infrastructure development projects.

Type Analysis

The Small Shield Machine market can be segmented by type into Earth Pressure Balance Machines, Slurry Shield Machines, Open Face Shield Machines, and others. Earth Pressure Balance Machines are particularly popular due to their ability to maintain ground stability and control soil pressure effectively. These machines are mainly used in urban tunneling projects where ground conditions are variable, and maintaining surface stability is crucial. The demand for Earth Pressure Balance Machines is expected to witness significant growth, driven by their application in various infrastructure development projects.

Slurry Shield Machines are another important segment in the Small Shield Machine market. These machines are designed to work in soft, water-bearing soils and are capable of controlling ground pressures effectively. The use of slurry facilitates the excavation process, making it ideal for challenging geological conditions. As urban areas expand into regions with complex soil compositions, the demand for Slurry Shield Machines is likely to increase, contributing to market growth.

Open Face Shield Machines, while less complex than their counterparts, offer specific advantages in certain scenarios. These machines are typically used in stable ground conditions and are favored for their simplicity and cost-effectiveness. They are often employed in smaller, less complex tunneling projects where advanced ground control is not required. Despite their limited application range, Open Face Shield Machines are expected to maintain steady demand, particularly in developing regions where budget constraints may

This statistic shows the 25 largest counties in the United States in 2022, by population. In 2022, about 9.72 million people were estimated to be living in Los Angeles County, California.

Additional information on urbanization in the United States

Urbanization is defined as the process by which cities grow or by which societies become more urban. Rural to urban migration in the United States, and around the world, is often undertaken in the search for employment or to enjoy greater access to services such as healthcare. The largest cities in the United States are steadily growing. Given their size, incremental increases yield considerable numerical gains as seen by New York increasing by 69,777 people in 2011, the most of any city. However in terms of percentage growth, smaller cities outside the main centers are growing the fastest, such as Georgetown city and Leander city in Texas.

Urbanization has increased slowly in the United States, rising from 80.77 percent of the population living in urban areas in 2010 to 82.66 percent in 2020. In 2018, the United States ranked 14th in a ranking of countries based on their degree of urbanization. Unlike fully urbanized countries such as Singapore and Hong Kong, the United States maintains a sizeable agricultural industry. Although technological developments have reduced demands for rural labor, labor in the industry and supporting services are still required.

Nigeria is the African country with the largest population, counting over 230 million people. As of 2024, the largest city in Nigeria was Lagos, which is also the largest city in sub-Saharan Africa in terms of population size. The city counts more than nine million inhabitants, whereas Kano, the second most populous city, registers around 3.6 million inhabitants. Lagos is the main financial, cultural, and educational center in the country. Where Africa’s urban population is booming The metropolitan area of Lagos is also among the largest urban agglomerations in the world. Besides Lagos, another most populated citiy in Africa is Cairo, in Egypt. However, Africa’s urban population is booming in other relatively smaller cities. For instance, the population of Bujumbura, in Burundi, could grow by 123 percent between 2020 and 2035, making it the fastest growing city in Africa and likely in the world. Similarly, Zinder, in Niger, could reach over one million inhabitants by 2035, the second fastest growing city. Demographic urban shift More than half of the world’s population lives in urban areas. In the next decades, this will increase, especially in Africa and Asia. In 2020, over 80 percent of the population in Northern America was living in urban areas, the highest share in the world. In Africa, the degree of urbanization was about 40 percent, the lowest among all continents. Meeting the needs of a fast-growing population can be a challenge, especially in low-income countries. Therefore, there will be a growing necessity to implement policies to sustainably improve people’s lives in rural and urban areas.

Construction Of Health Market Outlook

The global market size for the construction of health facilities was approximately USD 1.5 trillion in 2023, expected to reach USD 2.4 trillion by 2032, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 5.5%. This growth is driven by increasing healthcare needs, aging populations, technological advancements, and government initiatives focused on improving healthcare infrastructure globally.

The rising global population and an increase in chronic diseases are key growth factors for the construction of health market. As populations grow and age, the demand for adequate healthcare facilities and services increases correspondingly. This has led to a surge in the construction of new hospitals, clinics, and specialized healthcare centers to accommodate the growing patient load. In addition to the rising number of patients, advancements in medical science and technology necessitate the construction of modern facilities capable of housing cutting-edge medical equipment and providing high-quality care.

Government initiatives and policies also play a significant role in the expansion of this market. Many countries are allocating substantial budgets to enhance their healthcare infrastructure, particularly in emerging economies where healthcare facilities may not be up to international standards. These investments focus on both expanding existing healthcare facilities and constructing new ones to ensure that healthcare services are accessible to a larger segment of the population. Additionally, public-private partnerships are becoming more common, offering a collaborative approach to healthcare infrastructure development, further bolstering market growth.

The trend towards urbanization contributes substantially to market growth. Urban areas typically experience higher population densities, necessitating the development of more healthcare facilities to meet the needs of urban residents. This urban expansion often includes mixed-use developments that integrate healthcare facilities within residential and commercial zones, ensuring that medical services are readily accessible. Furthermore, the emphasis on smart city initiatives, where technology and healthcare infrastructure are integrated, is driving the demand for modern and technologically advanced healthcare construction.

Regionally, North America holds a significant share of the construction of health market, driven by technological advancements and substantial government investments in healthcare infrastructure. Europe follows closely, with a focus on modernizing existing facilities and improving healthcare accessibility. The Asia Pacific region is experiencing the fastest growth, primarily due to rapid urbanization, increasing healthcare demands, and significant government and private sector investments. Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are also showing steady growth, propelled by government initiatives to enhance healthcare services and improve infrastructure in those regions.

Service Type Analysis

The service type segment of the construction of health market can be divided into new construction, renovation, and maintenance. New construction remains the largest and fastest-growing segment, driven by the need for new healthcare facilities to cater to the growing patient population. This includes the construction of new hospitals, clinics, and specialized healthcare centers equipped with the latest medical technology. Governments and private investors are allocating substantial funds to build state-of-the-art healthcare facilities to improve healthcare accessibility and quality.

Renovation activities are also witnessing significant growth as healthcare providers seek to modernize outdated facilities. Renovation projects focus on upgrading existing structures to meet contemporary healthcare standards, integrating advanced medical equipment, and improving patient care environments. These projects are particularly prevalent in developed regions like North America and Europe, where many healthcare facilities require modernization to continue providing high-quality care. Renovation efforts also encompass the expansion of existing facilities to accommodate more patients and specialized services.

Maintenance services are essential to ensure the smooth operation and longevity of healthcare facilities. Regular maintenance activities include structural repairs, equipment servicing, and ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations. With the increasing complexity of medical equipment and the need for uninterrupted healthcare

In 2025, the degree of urbanization worldwide was at 58 percent. North America, Latin America, and the Caribbean were the regions with the highest level of urbanization, with over four-fifths of the population residing in urban areas. The degree of urbanization defines the share of the population living in areas defined as "cities". On the other hand, less than half of Africa's population lives in urban settlements. Globally, China accounts for over one-quarter of the built-up areas of more than 500,000 inhabitants. The definition of a city differs across various world regions - some countries count settlements with 100 houses or more as urban, while others only include the capital of a country or provincial capitals in their count. Largest agglomerations worldwideThough North America is the most urbanized continent, no U.S. city was among the top ten urban agglomerations worldwide in 2023. Tokyo-Yokohama in Japan was the largest urban area in the world that year, with 37.7 million inhabitants. New York ranked 13th, with 21.4 million inhabitants. Eight of the 10 most populous cities are located in Asia. ConnectivityIt may be hard to imagine how the reality will look in 2050, with 70 percent of the global population living in cities, but some statistics illustrate the ways urban living differs from suburban and rural living. American urbanites may lead more “connected” (i.e., internet-connected) lives than their rural and/or suburban counterparts. As of 2021, around 89 percent of people living in urban areas owned a smartphone. Internet usage was also higher in cities than in rural areas. On the other hand, rural areas always have, and always will, attract those who want to escape the rush of the city.

According to a population projection based on 2020 Census Data, in 2040, California's population will amount to ***** million inhabitants.

Whereas the population is expected to decrease somewhat until 2100 in Asia, Europe, and South America, it is predicted to grow significantly in Africa. While there were 1.5 billion inhabitants on the continent at the beginning of 2024, the number of inhabitants is expected to reach 3.8 billion by 2100. In total, the global population is expected to reach nearly 10.4 billion by 2100. Worldwide population In the United States, the total population is expected to steadily increase over the next couple of years. In 2024, Asia held over half of the global population and is expected to have the highest number of people living in urban areas in 2050. Asia is home to the two most populous countries, India and China, both with a population of over one billion people. However, the small country of Monaco had the highest population density worldwide in 2021. Effects of overpopulation Alongside the growing worldwide population, there are negative effects of overpopulation. The increasing population puts a higher pressure on existing resources and contributes to pollution. As the population grows, the demand for food grows, which requires more water, which in turn takes away from the freshwater available. Concurrently, food needs to be transported through different mechanisms, which contributes to air pollution. Not every resource is renewable, meaning the world is using up limited resources that will eventually run out. Furthermore, more species will become extinct which harms the ecosystem and food chain. Overpopulation was considered to be one of the most important environmental issues worldwide in 2020.