The level of urbanization is defined as the proportion of total population residing in urban areas of the state. In other words, urbanization refers to a ratio between the people residing in the urban areas and the total population. It is therefore expressed as,
U = Pc / Pt
Where ‘u’ refers to urbanization, Pc is urban population and Pt is total population. As long as Pc / Pt increases there is significant growth in urbanization and the rate of urbanization will be higher. The rate of urbanization signifies the percentage increase (or decrease) in the proportion of the urban population to the total population during a given period, while rate of urban growth indicates the percentage increase or decrease in the urban population in a given period. Therefore, the degree of urbanization can vary independently of the absolute number of people living in urban areas.
In Kerala, there has been a continuous increase in the proportion of urban population to the total population until the year 1981. The percentage of urban population was rather insignificant in 1971, which more than doubled in 1981 but again decreased a little bit in the 1991 census. However, the 2001 census has showed a marked increase in the urban population and more parts of the state are being urbanized, mainly due to the migration of people from other destinations. Thus due to the continuing urbanization in Kerala Houses and flats are in much demand.
Similarly, in certain districts, there was a steep rise in the proportion of the urban population to the total population during the decade 1971-81 but it decreased significantly during 1981-91. It happened because the rural population was greater than the urban population. In addition, there was greater migration into the rural areas, during this decade when compared to the movement of people into the urban areas from other states. Moreover, areas of major towns were taken away and added to neighboring revenue blocks. Thus, though the number of towns remained the same there has been a decline in the proportion of urban population in some parts of the state.
Measuring the level of urbanization in Kerala
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