Redefining Urban and Suburban America
Evidence from Census 2000

Returns from the US Census 2000 show: cities and suburbs are growing more diverse, the population is ageing and the make-up of households is shifting. This text explores these trends and their complexities, along with their implications for the policies and politics shaping metropolitan America.

The early returns from Census 2000 data have made certain facts plain: cities and suburbs are growing more diverse, the population is ageing and the make-up of households is shifting. There are fewer families with children, and more singles and empty-nesters. Yet regional trends muddy the picture. Communities in the Northeast and Midwest are generally growing slowly, while those in the South and West are experiencing explosive growth. Some cities are robust, others are distressed. Some suburbs are bedroom communities, others are hot employment centres. "Redefining Urban and Suburban America" explores these trends and their complexities, along with their implications for the policies and politics shaping metropolitan America.