The Ideal Population Size for Cities, Towns, and Villages
When it comes to defining an ideal population size for a city, town, or village, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Urban and suburban growth is influenced by factors such as technological advancements and the strategic advantages of location. The concept of an 'ideal' population size is often a subjective preference rather than an abstract, universally accepted number.
Personal Experiences and Perspectives
I have had the opportunity to live in a multitude of cities and have revised my view on the optimal size over time. Growing up in a small town with a population of approximately 10,000 now reduced to 5,000, I found it to be far too small. The community lacked many amenities such as a downtown area, restaurants, and entertainment options beyond high school sports and movie nights.
After moving to Chicago, a much larger city, I encountered another challenge. The vast size of the city made it difficult to meet with colleagues since everyone was spread out over long distances. For instance, a simple suggestion to meet on the weekend would often result in people living 40 miles apart.
During my graduate studies in Trier, Germany, with a population of about 117,000, I enjoyed the community but found it lacking certain features such as a major airport and a Bundesliga football team. The town had only one theater and several regional museums, making it a wonderful place to live but not enough to satisfy all my desires.
Returning to Minneapolis in 1987, a part of the Twin Cities area with approximately 3.25 million inhabitants, I found a balance that suited my needs. The area is large enough to support major art museums, sports teams, theaters, and an international airport, yet small enough to feel like a small town. With just a 0.325% of the total US population, this became my standard for the right size.
The Question of Right Size
Despite these varied personal experiences, there is no absolute answer to the question of ideal population size. The concept of a 'right fit' varies from person to person and can change over time. With the advent of technologies such as Amazon, the internet, and cable television, the world of our younger years has expanded to include a much broader range of possibilities.
Economic Factors and Optimal Population
Going beyond personal preferences, the size of a city can be measured by its economic vitality. A thriving city is characterized by the creation of new, good jobs, particularly those in the high-tech sector. With the increasing importance of technology in the job market, people usually come in pairs, and therefore, a vibrant labor market that provides multiple employment opportunities for college-educated individuals is crucial.
From this perspective, an ideal population size could be estimated between 5 and 10 million. This range is broad but provides a framework for cities that can offer a wide range of economic and social opportunities. In such cities, individuals can thrive both professionally and personally, without the overwhelming presence of large populations or the isolation of smaller communities.
Thus, whether a city is 10,000 or 10 million, its ideal size is ultimately a reflection of the needs and preferences of its inhabitants, supported by the economic and technological landscapes that shape our modern world.