City Size & Population Models

Data-driven models for city sizes, from hamlets to metropolises. Includes population ranges, areas, and real-world examples for worldbuilders.

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Hamlet

Small, close-knit community with a slow pace of life. Limited amenities, surrounded by agricultural or natural landscapes.

  • % of Earth's livable places: 1%
  • Population range: 20-99 (avg: 60)
  • Area range: 0.18-1.49 sq mi (avg: 0.68)
  • Width (as circle): 0.93 mi
Examples:
  • Turner, Oregon (26)
  • Smithville, Arkansas (32)

Village

Slightly larger community with more amenities and services than a hamlet. Often rural, sometimes near larger towns or cities.

  • % of Earth's livable places: 23%
  • Population range: 100-999 (avg: 600)
  • Area range: 0.02-96.9 sq mi (avg: 2.16)
  • Width (as circle): 1.66 mi
Examples:
  • Rosemont, Illinois (4,202)
  • Sag Harbor, New York (2,169)

Small Town

Community with a range of amenities and services, often with a central square or main street. Local attractions and public facilities.

  • % of Earth's livable places: 33%
  • Population range: 1K-20K (avg: 6K)
  • Area range: 0.07-2870 sq mi (avg: 33)
  • Width (as circle): 6.55 mi
Examples:
  • Northfield, Minnesota (20,007)
  • Statesboro, Georgia (30,723)

Large Town

More urbanized community with a wider range of amenities, shops, and entertainment. More public and cultural facilities.

  • % of Earth's livable places: 14%
  • Population range: 20K-100K (avg: 60K)
  • Area range: 1-2701 sq mi (avg: 57)
  • Width (as circle): 8.6 mi
Examples:
  • Rockwall, Texas (45,619)
  • Wesley Chapel, Florida (63,094)

Small City

Urban experience with a wide range of amenities, neighborhoods, and public facilities. More cultural centers and universities.

  • % of Earth's livable places: 21%
  • Population range: 100K-300K (avg: 160K)
  • Area range: 7-1704 sq mi (avg: 72)
  • Width (as circle): 9.5 mi
Examples:
  • Naperville, Illinois (147,122)
  • Bethlehem, Pennsylvania (74,982)

Large City

Highly urbanized environment with a wide range of amenities, neighborhoods, and cultural options. Major entertainment and business hubs.

  • % of Earth's livable places: 5%
  • Population range: 300K-1M (avg: 500K)
  • Area range: 27-747 sq mi (avg: 174)
  • Width (as circle): 15 mi
Examples:
  • Providence, Rhode Island (179,883)
  • Des Moines, Iowa (214,237)

Metropolis

Vast, highly urbanized environment with a wide range of amenities, neighborhoods, and major transportation hubs. Thriving business districts and cultural options.

  • % of Earth's livable places: 1%
  • Population range: 1M-3.5M (avg: 1.6M)
  • Area range: 135-599 sq mi (avg: 372)
  • Width (as circle): 22 mi
Examples:
  • Seattle, Washington (744,955)
  • Denver, Colorado (716,492)

Conurbation

Large, continuous urban area made up of multiple cities and towns. Major transportation hubs, business districts, and cultural options.

  • % of Earth's livable places: 0.2%
  • Population range: 3.5M-8.5M (avg: 6M)
  • Area range: 302-468 sq mi (avg: 385)
  • Width (as circle): 22 mi
Examples:
  • Phoenix, Arizona (4,967,000)
  • San Diego, California (3,317,749)

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