Population Growth

Visualizing the Growth of the World's Urban Population

An interactive visualization recently released by Unicef presents a startling picture of the world's urban population growth from 1950 to 2050. Mark Wilson deconstructs its implications.

March 21, 2012 - Fast Company Co:Design

Where Are Baby Boomers Going to Spend Their Golden Years?

John K. McIlwain breaks down the recent explosion in the "65-or-better" population – and what it means for urban regions.

March 2, 2012 - Urban Land

U.S. Population Growth Sags Despite Economic Upturn

The recession has taken its toll on U.S. population growth - both in babies born and immigration. While the recession officially ended June, 2009, growth rates continue to lag for the second consecutive year at .7%, the lowest since the Depression.

February 21, 2012 - USA Today

Chinese Cities in Desperate Need of Competent Planning

A new report by one of China's premier academic research organizations has warned about rising discrepancies between the growth of China's cities and their ability to provide the resources necessary to serve those populations.

February 13, 2012 - China Daily

US Population Growth Rate Stagnates With Economy

The recession is taking its toll on the nation's population growth rate. A lagging birth rate and a precipitous drop in immigration, particularly those entering the country illegally, resulted in a 0.7% growth rate. Immigration is at a 20-year low.

December 23, 2011 - The New York Times

Are Americans Ready to Live in Smaller Homes?

As the world population reaches 7 billion some U.S. builders are working on smaller, compact homes.

November 1, 2011 - NPR Morning Edition

More Drivers Pumping Less Fuel In California & U.S.

Since 2002, California has added 8.3% more drivers while reducing its gasoline consumption by 3.5%. And while taking the lead, they are not alone in this trend. Credit high fuel prices, economic stress and improved car technology for the reduction.

October 3, 2011 - Los Angeles Times - Business

India's Urban Population Forecasted To Double In The Next Twenty Years

The UN released new demographic projections Thursday that forecast India's urban population will more than double in the next thirty years. UN Under Secretary General Joan Clos said there is an urgent need to discuss urban issues in response.

September 29, 2011 - India Current Affairs

Mouse Utopia, and the Density Scare

John B. Calhoun wrote in the 70s about studies he'd conducted that looked at how mice would react when "overcrowded". Since his utopias often turned ugly, he (and many others) extrapolated the results to humans, giving density a bad name.

August 29, 2011 - CABINET

Detroit Focuses on its Healthiest 'Hoods

Officials in Detroit have unveiled plans to taper off public services in certain parts of town unlikely to see their populations rebound and to focus on areas likely to recover.

July 31, 2011 - The Detroit News

Singapore's Green Plant Revolution

As Singapore's population booms, officials are working through plans to help the city absorb its people but also provide them with adequate green space.

July 31, 2011 - The New York Times

To Counter Congestion and Crowding, Moscow Expands

Officials in Moscow are pushing a plan to double the footprint of the city in order to ease congestion and overcrowding. Some worry sprawling development patters will follow.

July 27, 2011 - Guardian

The Aging and Younging of America

A new report from the Brookings Institution tracks where populations are aging in America, and which parts are experiencing booms in young populations.

July 1, 2011 - Brookings Institute

Latin American Population Rising in Oregon

The Latin American population is on the rise in many parts of the country. Oregon is seeing its own shifts in population, and this piece takes a look at whats driving the changes.

June 2, 2011 - Oregon Public Broadcasting

City Population Change from 1955 to 2015

This interactive map from the BBC tracks growth and urbanization in global cities from 1955 up through 2015.

May 19, 2011 - BBC

Booming West Faces Busted Water Supply

Projections of water shortages and predicted changes in the climate mean bad news for water users in the American West.

May 18, 2011 - Miller-McCune

Suburban Growth Still Leads, But in Changing Ways

Suburban population growth in the U.S. is still on the rise, but new trends show that those suburbs closest to urban cores and those farthest away are driving the growth.

May 2, 2011 - USA Today

The Fastest-Growing City in the U.S.

Would you believe its Olive Branch, Mississippi? Since 1990, the Memphis suburb has grown an astonishing 838 percent.

April 29, 2011 - The Commercial Appeal

Growth and Decline in the World's 590 Most Populated Cities

This interactive visualization presents population data and projections for the world's 590 most populated, showing how their populations compare to one another over time.

April 25, 2011 - Visualizing

The Impact of Humans on the Land

The National Journal has created a large, zoomable map of the world showing the footprint of humanity on the Earth.

April 18, 2011 - National Journal

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.

Top Books

An annual review of books related to planning.

Top Schools

The definitive ranking of graduate planning programs.

100 Most Influential Urbanists

The who's who of urbanism, according to Planetizen readers.

Urban Planning Creators You Should Know

A short list of voices on social, video, and podcasting platforms.