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The Development of the Urban-Rural Classification in the United States: 1874 to 1949
The Development of the Urban-Rural Classification in the United States: 1874 to 1949
Report Number P23-1
The population of the United States was first classified into "urban" and "rural" in 1874. Text of this report traces, from that date through each subsequent decennial census, the development of the standards applied, and methods used in distinguishing "urban" from "rural" population areas into "farm" and "non-farm" beginning with the Census of 1930. States the classification standards to be used in the Census of 1950. Tables show:
- Population in places of 8,000 and over, places of 2,000 and over from 1794 to 1949.
- Figures for urban, rural, non-farm and rural farm population for 1920, 1930 and 1940.
- Urban population by States, 1850, 1880, 1910 and 1940.
- Changes made between one Census and another in 1900 and 1910 urban totals for certain States.
- Rural population, 1890 and 1880, as defined in 1890.
A Note on Language
Census statistics date back to 1790 and reflect the growth and change of the United States. Past census reports contain some terms that today’s readers may consider obsolete and inappropriate. As part of our goal to be open and transparent with the public, we are improving access to all Census Bureau original publications and statistics, which serve as a guide to the nation's history.
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Page Last Revised - October 8, 2021
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