Urban Characteristics
Geography: KS3, topic 14.1.2
Characteristics of Urban Areas
Towns and cities are urban areas. The process of towns and cities growing is called urbanisation. Urban areas have specific characteristics that make them different to rural areas:
The population of urban areas
- Urban areas have a higher population density than rural areas.
- This means that more people live in one square kilometre compared to rural areas.
- The population of urban areas tends to be younger than in rural areas.
- There are usually more single people in urban areas than in rural areas.
The economy of urban areas
- People in urban areas tend to work in offices or factories. They might work for large Trans-National Corporations (TNCs).
- Urban area jobs are relatively well-paid compared to rural areas and they often offer more job security.
Test yourself on Urban Characteristics
What is the most common marital status of people in urban areas?