Have you ever wondered how many cities are in the United States? It's a common question that can be challenging to answer, as there is no single, universally accepted definition of what constitutes a city. Different organizations use different criteria to define a city, and the number of cities in the U.S. can vary depending on which definition is used.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are 19,495 incorporated places in the United States, ranging from large metropolises like New York City and Los Angeles to small towns with populations of just a few hundred people. An incorporated place is a legal entity with its own government, and it can be a city, town, village, or borough.
However, some people argue that the Census Bureau's definition of a city is too narrow. They point out that there are many unincorporated communities in the United States that have all the characteristics of a city, such as a large population, a dense urban core, and a variety of businesses and services. These communities may not be incorporated, but they are still considered to be cities by many people.
How many cities in the U.S.
Counting cities is complex.
- No universal definition.
- Census Bureau: 19,495 incorporated places.
- Unincorporated communities.
- Different criteria, different numbers.
- Urbanized areas: 514.
- Metropolitan statistical areas: 384.
- Micropolitan statistical areas: 574.
- Largest city: New York City.
Ultimately, the number of cities in the U.S. depends on the definition used.
No universal definition.
There is no single, universally accepted definition of what constitutes a city in the United States. Different organizations use different criteria to define a city, and the number of cities in the U.S. can vary depending on which definition is used.
- Census Bureau:
The U.S. Census Bureau defines a city as an incorporated place with a population of at least 2,500 people. However, this definition is not universally accepted. Some people argue that it is too narrow, as it excludes many unincorporated communities that have all the characteristics of a city, such as a large population, a dense urban core, and a variety of businesses and services.
- Other definitions:
Other organizations use different criteria to define a city. For example, the National League of Cities defines a city as an incorporated place with a population of at least 5,000 people. The United Nations defines a city as a settlement with a population of at least 50,000 people.
- Different numbers:
The number of cities in the U.S. can vary depending on which definition is used. For example, according to the Census Bureau, there are 19,495 incorporated places in the United States. However, if we use the National League of Cities' definition, the number of cities drops to 16,414. And if we use the United Nations' definition, the number of cities drops even further to 9,247.
- Conclusion:
Ultimately, the number of cities in the U.S. depends on the definition used. There is no single, universally accepted definition of what constitutes a city, and the number of cities can vary depending on the criteria used.
Because of the lack of a universal definition, it is difficult to say exactly how many cities there are in the United States.
Census Bureau: 19,495 incorporated places.
The U.S. Census Bureau defines a city as an incorporated place with a population of at least 2,500 people. An incorporated place is a legal entity with its own government, and it can be a city, town, village, or borough.
According to the Census Bureau, there are 19,495 incorporated places in the United States. This number includes both large metropolises like New York City and Los Angeles and small towns with populations of just a few hundred people. The Census Bureau's definition of a city is based on population size and legal status, and it does not take into account other factors such as population density, urban development, or economic activity.
Some people argue that the Census Bureau's definition of a city is too narrow. They point out that there are many unincorporated communities in the United States that have all the characteristics of a city, such as a large population, a dense urban core, and a variety of businesses and services. These communities may not be incorporated, but they are still considered to be cities by many people.
For example, the unincorporated community of Edgewater, New Jersey has a population of over 100,000 people and is home to a number of businesses and cultural institutions. However, because it is not incorporated, it is not counted as a city by the Census Bureau. This means that the Census Bureau's official count of 19,495 cities in the United States is likely an underestimate of the true number of cities in the country.
Ultimately, the number of cities in the U.S. depends on the definition used. The Census Bureau's definition is just one of many possible definitions, and it is important to be aware of the limitations of this definition when using it to compare cities or study urban areas.
Unincorporated communities.
An unincorporated community is a settlement that does not have its own local government. It is not a legal entity, and it does not have the same powers and responsibilities as an incorporated place. Unincorporated communities can range in size from small villages to large suburban areas.
There are many unincorporated communities in the United States. Some of these communities are located in rural areas, while others are located in suburban areas or even within the boundaries of larger cities. Unincorporated communities often lack the same level of services and infrastructure as incorporated places, such as police and fire protection, public transportation, and sewer systems.
The number of unincorporated communities in the United States is difficult to determine, as there is no official definition of what constitutes an unincorporated community. However, some estimates suggest that there are over 20,000 unincorporated communities in the United States, with a total population of over 50 million people.
Unincorporated communities face a number of challenges, including a lack of local government, limited access to services and infrastructure, and difficulty in attracting businesses and economic development. However, unincorporated communities also offer a number of advantages, such as lower taxes, less regulation, and a sense of community.
The issue of unincorporated communities is a complex one, with no easy solutions. Some people argue that unincorporated communities should be incorporated, while others argue that they should remain unincorporated. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to incorporate an unincorporated community is a local one, and it is up to the residents of the community to decide what is best for them.
Different criteria, different numbers.
As we have seen, there is no single, universally accepted definition of what constitutes a city in the United States. Different organizations use different criteria to define a city, and this can lead to different numbers of cities being counted.
For example, the U.S. Census Bureau defines a city as an incorporated place with a population of at least 2,500 people. However, the National League of Cities defines a city as an incorporated place with a population of at least 5,000 people. And the United Nations defines a city as a settlement with a population of at least 50,000 people.
These different definitions lead to different counts of the number of cities in the United States. According to the Census Bureau, there are 19,495 incorporated places in the United States. However, if we use the National League of Cities' definition, the number of cities drops to 16,414. And if we use the United Nations' definition, the number of cities drops even further to 9,247.
The same is true for other measures of urbanicity. For example, the Census Bureau defines an urban area as a densely settled area with a population of at least 50,000 people. However, the United Nations defines an urban area as a settlement with a population of at least 1 million people.
These different definitions can lead to confusion and disagreement about how many cities or urban areas there are in the United States. It is important to be aware of the different definitions that are used and to understand the limitations of each definition.
Urbanized areas: 514.
An urbanized area is a densely settled area with a population of at least 50,000 people. Urbanized areas are typically centered around a city, but they can also include surrounding towns and suburbs. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are 514 urbanized areas in the United States.
Urbanized areas are home to over half of the U.S. population. They are centers of economic activity, culture, and innovation. Urbanized areas also face a number of challenges, such as traffic congestion, air pollution, and crime.
The Census Bureau defines an urbanized area using a variety of criteria, including population density, land use, and commuting patterns. To be considered an urbanized area, an area must have a population density of at least 1,000 people per square mile. It must also have a core of at least 50,000 people, and it must be surrounded by a densely settled area with a population density of at least 500 people per square mile.
Urbanized areas are important because they provide a way to measure the growth and spread of urban development. They are also used to allocate government funding and resources. For example, urbanized areas are eligible for federal funding for transportation, housing, and other programs.
The number of urbanized areas in the United States is growing. In 1950, there were only 174 urbanized areas in the United States. By 2020, that number had grown to 514. This growth is being driven by a number of factors, including population growth, suburbanization, and the increasing concentration of economic activity in urban areas.
Metropolitan statistical areas: 384.
A metropolitan statistical area (MSA) is a region that consists of a core urban area and its surrounding communities. MSAs are defined by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) using a variety of criteria, including population density, commuting patterns, and economic ties.
There are currently 384 MSAs in the United States. MSAs are home to over 80% of the U.S. population. They are centers of economic activity, culture, and innovation. MSAs also face a number of challenges, such as traffic congestion, air pollution, and crime.
To be considered an MSA, an area must have a population of at least 50,000 people. It must also have a core urban area with a population of at least 50,000 people. The core urban area must be surrounded by a densely settled area with a population density of at least 1,000 people per square mile.
MSAs are important because they provide a way to measure the growth and spread of urban development. They are also used to allocate government funding and resources. For example, MSAs are eligible for federal funding for transportation, housing, and other programs.
The number of MSAs in the United States is growing. In 1950, there were only 168 MSAs in the United States. By 2020, that number had grown to 384. This growth is being driven by a number of factors, including population growth, suburbanization, and the increasing concentration of economic activity in urban areas.
Micropolitan statistical areas: 574.
A micropolitan statistical area (µSA) is a region that consists of a core urban area with a population of at least 10,000 people but less than 50,000 people, and its surrounding communities. µSAs are defined by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) using a variety of criteria, including population density, commuting patterns, and economic ties.
There are currently 574 µSAs in the United States. µSAs are home to over 20 million people. They are centers of economic activity and culture for their surrounding regions. µSAs also face a number of challenges, such as limited access to healthcare and education, and a lack of economic diversity.
To be considered a µSA, an area must have a population of at least 10,000 people. It must also have a core urban area with a population of at least 10,000 people. The core urban area must be surrounded by a densely settled area with a population density of at least 500 people per square mile.
µSAs are important because they provide a way to measure the growth and spread of urban development. They are also used to allocate government funding and resources. For example, µSAs are eligible for federal funding for transportation, housing, and other programs.
The number of µSAs in the United States is growing. In 1990, there were only 318 µSAs in the United States. By 2020, that number had grown to 574. This growth is being driven by a number of factors, including population growth and the increasing concentration of economic activity in urban areas.
Largest city: New York City.
New York City is the largest city in the United States. It is also one of the most populous cities in the world, with a population of over 8 million people. New York City is a global center of commerce, finance, culture, and media.
- Population:
New York City has a population of over 8 million people. This makes it the largest city in the United States and one of the most populous cities in the world.
- Area:
New York City covers an area of over 300 square miles. This makes it the most densely populated city in the United States.
- Economy:
New York City is a global center of commerce and finance. It is home to the New York Stock Exchange, the NASDAQ, and many other major financial institutions. New York City is also a major center of culture and media. It is home to many museums, theaters, and art galleries.
- Transportation:
New York City has a world-class transportation system. It is home to three major airports, two major seaports, and an extensive network of public transportation. New York City is also a major hub for rail and highway transportation.
New York City is a vibrant and diverse city with a rich history and culture. It is a popular destination for tourists and immigrants from all over the world.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about how many cities are in the U.S.:
Question 1: How many cities are in the U.S.?
Answer 1: The number of cities in the U.S. depends on the definition of a city. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are 19,495 incorporated places in the United States. However, other definitions may yield different numbers.
Question 2: What is the definition of a city in the U.S.?
Answer 2: The U.S. Census Bureau defines a city as an incorporated place with a population of at least 2,500 people. However, other organizations may use different definitions.
Question 3: What are some of the challenges in counting cities in the U.S.?
Answer 3: Some of the challenges in counting cities in the U.S. include the lack of a universal definition of a city, the existence of unincorporated communities, and the different criteria used by different organizations to define a city.
Question 4: What are some of the largest cities in the U.S.?
Answer 4: Some of the largest cities in the U.S. include New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, and Philadelphia.
Question 5: What are some of the smallest cities in the U.S.?
Answer 5: Some of the smallest cities in the U.S. include Monowi, Nebraska (population 1), Buford, Wyoming (population 2), and Ophir, Alaska (population 11).
Question 6: How can I learn more about cities in the U.S.?
Answer 6: There are many resources available to learn more about cities in the U.S. Some of these resources include the U.S. Census Bureau, the National League of Cities, and the United Nations.
Question 7: How many metropolitan statistical areas are there in the U.S.?
Answer 7: There are 384 metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) in the United States.
Closing Paragraph for FAQ:
These are just a few of the frequently asked questions about how many cities are in the U.S. For more information, please consult the resources listed above.
Now that you know more about how many cities are in the U.S., you may also be interested in learning more about the largest and smallest cities in the U.S., as well as some of the challenges facing cities in the U.S. today.
Tips
Here are a few tips for learning more about how many cities are in the U.S.:
Tip 1: Use the U.S. Census Bureau website.
The U.S. Census Bureau website is a great resource for learning about cities in the U.S. The website provides data on the population, area, and other characteristics of cities in the U.S. You can also use the website to find maps and other resources.
Tip 2: Visit the National League of Cities website.
The National League of Cities website is another great resource for learning about cities in the U.S. The website provides information on the challenges and opportunities facing cities in the U.S., as well as resources for city leaders. You can also find information about upcoming events and conferences related to cities.
Tip 3: Read books and articles about cities in the U.S.
There are many books and articles available about cities in the U.S. These resources can provide you with a deeper understanding of the history, culture, and economy of cities in the U.S. You can find books and articles about cities in the U.S. at your local library or bookstore.
Tip 4: Talk to people who live in cities in the U.S.
One of the best ways to learn about cities in the U.S. is to talk to people who live there. Ask them about their experiences living in a city. What do they like about living in a city? What are some of the challenges of living in a city? Talking to people who live in cities can give you a firsthand account of what it is like to live in a city.
Closing Paragraph for Tips:
These are just a few tips for learning more about cities in the U.S. By following these tips, you can gain a better understanding of the number of cities in the U.S., the challenges and opportunities facing cities in the U.S., and the experiences of people who live in cities in the U.S.
Now that you have learned more about how many cities are in the U.S., you may be wondering what the future holds for cities in the U.S. Will cities continue to grow? What challenges will cities face in the future? These are just a few of the questions that experts are considering as they look to the future of cities in the U.S.
Conclusion
As we have seen, there is no single, universally accepted answer to the question of how many cities are in the U.S. The number of cities in the U.S. depends on the definition of a city, and there are many different definitions to choose from. This can lead to confusion and disagreement about how many cities there are in the U.S.
However, despite the challenges in counting cities, it is clear that cities are an important part of the U.S. economy and culture. Cities are home to a majority of the U.S. population, and they are centers of economic activity, innovation, and culture. Cities also face a number of challenges, such as traffic congestion, air pollution, and crime. However, cities are also places of opportunity, and they offer a wide range of amenities and services that can improve the quality of life for residents.
Ultimately, the number of cities in the U.S. is not as important as the role that cities play in the lives of Americans. Cities are places where people can live, work, and play. They are places where people can find jobs, education, and healthcare. They are also places where people can enjoy culture, art, and entertainment. Cities are an essential part of the U.S., and they will continue to play an important role in the lives of Americans for many years to come.
Closing Message:
So, the next time you are asked, "How many cities are in the U.S.?" you can answer with confidence that the answer depends on the definition of a city. However, you can also say that, regardless of the definition, cities are an important part of the U.S. economy and culture, and they play a vital role in the lives of millions of Americans.