Forces of Change in the American Settlement Pattern

The population turnaround occurred when growth rates of [U.S] nonmetropolitan areas began to exceed those of metropolitan regions. [The authors] interpret the change to be a consequence of metropolitan spread and growth processes internal to nonmetropolitan areas. The forces contributing to the current growth processes include dispersal of economic opportunity cultural preference and governmental policy. Scarcity of energy and its rising cost are not likely to reverse current trends. Continued growth in nonmetropolitan areas and in small metropolitan centers may produce a dispersed-city development that will coexist with the present hierarchical urban system. (EXCERPT)