Build a mind you’re proud of.
An average can hide where people live
Population density divides population by land area.
The idea
A regional average does not reveal settlement patterns within it. People may be concentrated in a few cities.
An example
An area with 10,000 people across 100 km² has average density 100 people per km², even if most live in one town.
Put it into practice
Ask about distribution as well as the average.
Further reading: U.S. Census Bureau ↗
Test yourself: What is the average density in this example?
100 people per km²
10,000 divided by 100 equals 100; the average can still hide concentration.
Explanation and illustrative examples by One Card Wiser. Source linked for further reading.
Open this card in the app →