Fiber to the Burbs

Wed, 22 Oct 2008 12:40:00 GMT

Detroit's population was 1.8 million in 1950. Today it's estimated at 916,000, a decline of almost 50%. It would be easy to chalk this up to industrial decline, particularly with the slow death spiral of the American auto industry. But, this decline in urban population is not unique to Detroit. From 1950 to 2000, Chicago declined by 20%. Boston and Philadelphia by 26%. Washington DC by 28%.

Where did everyone go? Data suggests they headed to the burbs. The metropolitan areas surrounding these cities all increased their populations dramatically; ranging from 25% (in Philadelphia) to 178% (in DC.) Sadly, the great migration may be just getting started.&

The Local Loop

Fiber to the Burbs