Which term refers to population growth in urban areas?

The term that specifically refers to population growth in urban areas is urbanization. This concept encompasses the increasing movement of people from rural areas to cities, leading to higher population densities in urban environments. Urbanization reflects not only an increase in numbers but also a shift in lifestyles, economies, and social structures as individuals adapt to life in densely populated areas.

Urban expansion refers to the physical growth of urban areas in terms of land use and space, which can occur for various reasons, including urbanization but does not exclusively denote the population aspect. Urban agglomeration describes a concentration of people and activities in specific urban areas, often consisting of multiple cities and towns that are closely linked. While related, it does not solely highlight the growth of population. Urban dispersal, on the other hand, points to the spread of people from urban centers into surrounding areas, typically as a result of information technology, transportation improvements, or lifestyle changes, which can sometimes counter the trends of urbanization.

Understanding urbanization is vital for grasping the dynamics of changing populations in cities, including the associated challenges and opportunities that arise with such growth.