The Evolution of City Population Density in the United States

20 Pages Posted: 9 Dec 2012

See all articles by Kevin A. Bryan

Kevin A. Bryan

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU)

Brian Minton

Independent

Pierre-Daniel G. Sarte

Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond

Date Written: 2007

Abstract

We compile a database of American city population densities from 1940 to 2000, which was not previously available publicly in an electronic format. Using this data set, we investigate trends in urban density patterns. Nonparametric estimates of urban density distributions suggest a distinct, steady trend toward less dense cities. This is evident across a number of different city definitions, and is robust across geographical regions and city age.

Suggested Citation

Bryan, Kevin A. and Minton, Brian and Sarte, Pierre-Daniel, The Evolution of City Population Density in the United States (2007). FRB Richmond Economic Quarterly, vol. 93, no. 4, Fall 2007, pp. 341-360, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2186639

Kevin A. Bryan

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) ( email )

1015 Floyd Avenue
Richmond, VA 23284
United States

Brian Minton

Independent

Pierre-Daniel Sarte (Contact Author)

Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond ( email )

P.O. Box 27622
Richmond, VA 23261
United States

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