One way to visualize density

[ProgressiveModerate]

The map below is just the boundaries for my COI project where each COI has roughly 100k people.



A few notable findings.

1. LA is a lot denser than many give it credit for; it alongside NYC and Chicago are the only 3 cities where there's a truly "black" core.

2. California's population is pretty concentrated. This ties into the last point but outside the greater LA, San Diego, and Bay Area California really doesn't have that many people

3. Atlanta has massive sprawl compared even to Houston or Dallas.

4. Greater Pheonix and Vegas are much denser than people give them credit for

5. NYC and Philly are a lot closer and more connected than people give them credit for.

[President Punxsutawney Phil]

St. George UT, Pueblo and Grand Junction CO, Santa Fe NM, Abilene Lubbock Wichita Falls Amarillo Odessa Midland TX all stick out compared to neighboring rurals.

[Pres Mike]

Do you have a link?

[Del Tachi]

I think the takeaway is that the "empty" parts of the East are still a lot more populous than the "empty" parts of the West.  Appalachia looks downright urbane next to the Plains!

[Skill and Chance]

I think the takeaway is that the "empty" parts of the East are still a lot more populous than the "empty" parts of the West.  Appalachia looks downright urbane next to the Plains!

Yes, and also the remaining super rural areas of the East are generally far to the north, along the Canadian border.  Within the South, VA and GA rural areas stick out as being relatively depopulated compared to NC and could go a long way toward explaining the political trends there.