Majority of Areas in Jamaica Now Classified as Urban
Fresh data from the 2022 Population and Housing Census indicate that most of Jamaica’s inhabited spaces are now classified as urban.
The Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN) revealed on Wednesday that approximately 61 percent of the country’s districts are now urbanised.
An urban area, as outlined by STATIN, refers to a densely populated location housing at least 2,000 residents.
Additionally, these spaces must have a population density of no less than 500 persons per square kilometre and feature well-developed socio-economic infrastructure.
STATIN’s findings show that this marks a shift from the near 50–50 urban-rural balance recorded in 2011.
Back in 2011, there were 2,906 urban enumeration districts compared to 2,870 rural ones.
By 2022, however, urban districts had climbed to 4,021, while rural areas declined to 2,590.
The figures also suggest that Jamaica’s population is becoming more concentrated, even though the overall growth rate has slowed considerably.
Kingston remains the only parish classified as entirely urban.
Close behind, St. Andrew records a 90 percent urbanisation rate, while St. James, St. Catherine, and St. Ann follow at 75 percent, 71 percent, and 51 percent, respectively.
Clarendon holds the highest number of rural districts with 329.
In contrast, St. Elizabeth has the greatest proportion of rural areas—74 percent—with 281 out of its 376 enumeration districts classified as rural.
Remember to share this article on Facebook and other Social Media Platforms. To submit your own articles or to advertise with us please send us an EMAIL at: [email protected]