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Spatial structure of city population growth.
Sandro M Reia1, P Suresh C Rao1,2, Marc Barthelemy3,4
1Lyles School of Civil Engineering, Purdue University, 550 Stadium Mall Avenue, West Lafayette, 47907, IN, USA.
Nature Communications
|October 8, 2022
Summary
Domestic migration drives U.S. population growth, creating spatial heterogeneity within metropolitan areas. These population flows, larger than natural growth, shape urban sprawl and influence population dynamics at the county level.
Area of Science:
- Urban Studies
- Demography
- Spatial Analysis
Background:
- Population growth is spatially heterogeneous across U.S. metropolitan statistical areas.
- Understanding the drivers of this heterogeneity is crucial for urban planning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the spatial patterns of domestic migration flows within U.S. counties.
- To determine the impact of migration on population heterogeneity and urban sprawl.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of U.S. county-level population data from 2015-2019.
- Examination of domestic migration patterns and their relationship with population density gradients.
Main Results:
- Domestic migration significantly exceeds natural population growth, driving spatial heterogeneity.
- Intra-city migration follows negative density gradients, while inter-city flows concentrate in core areas.
- Migration dynamics contribute to asymmetrical urban sprawl and buffer local population shocks.
Conclusions:
- Domestic migration is the primary driver of heterogeneous population growth in U.S. metropolitan areas.
- Migration patterns influence urban form and population dynamics, necessitating informed urban policy.
- Understanding migration is key for effective urban planning and policy-making.
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