Malcolm Rivera
The definition of an urban area has evolved over time, influenced by shifting settlement patterns, data usage needs, and advancements in technology. In the context of the United States in the 1930s, the concept of urban areas was shaped by the ongoing Great Depression, which devastated cities, particularly those reliant on industries like steel, automobiles, and trade. The definition of urban during this period was tied to population size, with a minimum threshold of 2,500 inhabitants to be categorized as such. This definition, established by the Census Bureau, also encompassed all territories, individuals, and housing units within an incorporated area meeting this population criterion. The impact of the Great Depression on urban areas in the US varied, with port cities and heavy industry-dependent cities bearing the brunt, while service-oriented cities and political centers fared better.
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Population density
In the context of the United States in the 1930s, the country was experiencing the Great Depression, which began in 1929. The impact of the economic crisis on population density in urban areas was complex and varied. While cities were generally hard-hit due to the decline in industries such as construction, heavy manufacturing, steel, and automobiles, the damage varied depending on the economic base of each city. Port cities and those heavily dependent on industries like steel and automotive were among the most affected. On the other hand, political centers like Canada, Texas, Washington, London, and Berlin flourished due to the expanded role of government and the resulting job creation.
During this time, there was a significant migration of rural families and immigrants to urban areas in search of work. This influx of people led to overcrowding, inadequate water facilities, unpaved streets, and disease in many cities. The working class, in particular, struggled with a decreased quality of life and limited opportunities for improvement.
The 1930 US Census provides valuable insights into the population density of metropolitan districts during this period. The census data includes information on the total population, sex, colour, nativity, age distribution, and density for these districts. However, it is important to note that the definition of "urban population" has changed over time, and the US Census Bureau has modified its classification of urban areas multiple times, including in 1950 and 1990.
Additionally, the racial dynamics of population density in the 1930s US context are notable. There was a significant increase in the urban Negro population in cities like Detroit, New York, and Chicago. This concentration of Negroes in segregated colonies led to a range of social problems, including higher rates of tuberculosis among children and higher incarceration rates for young women in Chicago.
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Population threshold
There is no universal definition or population threshold for what constitutes an "urban area". The definition of an urban settlement varies across countries in terms of the metrics used and their threshold levels. The UN World Urbanization Prospects (2018) database provides a list of the underlying data sources and statistical concepts used to define "urban" by country. The database shows that 2,000 and 5,000 inhabitants are the most frequently adopted thresholds (by 23 countries each). However, these thresholds vary widely: Sweden and Denmark use a threshold of 200 inhabitants, while Japan uses a very high threshold of 50,000 inhabitants.
In the United States, the definition of urban areas has changed over time, with new definitions introduced in the Censuses of 1900, 1950, 2000, and 2020. The US Census Bureau also changed its classification and definition of urban areas in 1950 and 1990, so caution is advised when comparing urban data from different periods.
The term "urban agglomeration", used by the UN, refers to the population within the contours of a contiguous territory inhabited at urban density levels, without regard to administrative boundaries. It usually includes the population in a city or town, plus that in the adjacent suburban areas outside the city boundaries. Some countries use the concept of "metropolitan area" or "city proper" instead of "urban agglomeration".
While I cannot provide a specific population threshold for what constituted an urban area in the US in 1930, I can offer some context on urbanization in the country during that time. The 1930 US Census provides data on the population and area of metropolitan districts, including information on sex, colour, nativity, and age distribution. This data reflects the growth and change of the United States over time.
During the 1930s, the United States was impacted by the Great Depression, which began in 1929. Cities were devastated, particularly those dependent on heavy industries such as steel and automotive manufacturing. However, political centres like Washington flourished due to the expanded role of the government and the resulting job creation.
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Settlement patterns
There is no universal definition of what constitutes an "urban area". The UN encourages the use of the term "urban agglomeration", which refers to the population within the contours of a contiguous territory inhabited at urban density levels, regardless of administrative boundaries. This usually includes the population in a city or town and its adjacent suburban areas. However, the definition of an urban settlement varies across countries and has changed over time.
In the context of the United States in the 1930s, the country was experiencing the Great Depression, which had a significant impact on cities and settlement patterns. Port cities and cities dependent on heavy industries, such as steel and automotive, were devastated by the economic downturn. In contrast, political centres like Washington and state capitals flourished due to the expanded role of government and the creation of new jobs.
During this time, there was a significant migration of African Americans to urban areas. Between 1910 and 1930, there was a decrease in the rural African American population, and by 1930, "all other occupations" besides agriculture and domestic service had increased to 34.75%Detroit, New York, and Chicago saw a substantial increase in their African American populations. This migration often resulted in African Americans paying higher rents for less desirable areas of the cities, and they faced various social problems, including higher rates of tuberculosis and incarceration.
The 1930s also witnessed a general population shift towards urban areas in the US. The Northeastern United States, including states like Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New York, had already acquired an urban majority before 1930. The Midwestern and Western United States became urban majority in the 1910s. This shift towards urban living was driven by the promise of prosperity, with many rural families and immigrants moving to cities in search of work in factories. However, this rapid urbanisation also led to overcrowding, inadequate infrastructure, and a decreased quality of life for many urban poor.
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Data use needs
While there is no universal definition of what constitutes an "urban area", data use needs have played a significant role in how this term has been defined in the United States. The US Census Bureau has a long history of collecting population data, with the first census taking place in 1790. Since then, data has been collected every 10 years.
The definition of "urban" has evolved over time, influenced by factors such as settlement patterns, data use needs, and advancements in technology. Notably, the Census Bureau has historically defined "rural" as any territory, population, or housing unit that does not meet the criteria for an urban classification.
In the censuses of 1880, 1890, and 1900, an area was deemed urban if it met a minimum population threshold. The specific thresholds varied, with 8,000 people in 1880, 4,000 in 1890, and 2,500 in 1900. Beginning in 1910, the minimum population threshold to be categorized as an urban area was consistently set at 2,500 people.
The Census Bureau revised the definition of "urban" for the 1950 census, adopting the "urbanized area" concept. This change was made to better account for the growth in suburban areas outside incorporated places with populations of 50,000 or more. The Census Bureau continued to identify areas with populations of 2,500 or more, located outside these urbanized areas, as urban.
The definition of "urban" was also adjusted in 1990 and 2000 to reflect evolving data needs and settlement patterns. In 2000, the Census Bureau introduced the "urban cluster" concept, defining small, densely populated clusters using the same approach as for larger urbanized areas. This approach focused solely on population density without considering administrative boundaries.
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Technology
The 1930s in the US were marked by the Great Depression, which had a devastating impact on cities, particularly those with heavy industry, such as steel and automotive manufacturing. However, some political centres, like Washington, flourished due to the expanded role of government and the resulting increase in jobs.
During this time, new technologies continued to shape urban areas, with the Second Industrial Revolution bringing about manufacturing innovations that increased the wealth gap. Dangerous working conditions in many urban factories led to labour reforms, with changes to child labour laws, workplace safety, sanitary conditions, and workers' schedules.
The 1930s also saw a continued pattern of urbanization, with rural Americans moving to cities in search of better jobs and education. This migration, along with increased immigration, contributed to overcrowding in urban areas.
The Great Depression exacerbated the challenges in cities, particularly regarding employment and living conditions. The collapse of the construction industry led to a loss of high-paying jobs, and the decline of heavy manufacturing further strained the economy.
Despite the economic hardships, city leaders during the Great Depression implemented reforms and innovations in infrastructure, positioning their cities as leaders in urban redevelopment. These technological and infrastructural changes laid the groundwork for the continued growth and transformation of urban areas in the US.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no universal definition of what constitutes an "urban area". The definition of "urban" has changed over time in response to changes in settlement patterns, data use needs, and technology available for use in defining urban areas.
The US Census Bureau defined an urban area in 1930 as a place with a population of 2,500 or more.
Yes, the US Census Bureau revised the urban definition for the 1950 census by adopting the urbanized area concept to better account for increased growth in suburban areas outside incorporated places of 50,000 or more population.
The standard metric adopted (and encouraged) by the UN for urban density is the so-called "urban agglomeration population density".
The Western US is the most urbanized part of the country today, followed closely by the Northeastern United States.
