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The dark green blocks in the maps above represent U.S. Census blocks where the reported population equals zero.
These maps above show us, in green, where nobody lives in the USA. We often think that we can’t get away from people, but you can get into some truly uninhabited zones if you head out West.
We love that California is the most populous state with almost 40 million people, yet look how much uninhabited land there is in California. Another great contrast in CA.
ABlockis the smallest area unit used by the U.S. Census Bureau for tabulating statistics. As of the 2010 census, the United States consists of 11,078,300 Census Blocks. Of them, 4,871,270 blocks totaling 4.61 million square kilometers were reported to have no population living inside them. Despite having a population of more than 310 million people, 47 percent of the USA remains unoccupied.
Green shading indicates unoccupied Census Blocks. A single inhabitant is enough to omit a block from shading. – maps by nik
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Posted by 
SnowBrains |
As someone deeply immersed in geographic information systems (GIS) and demographic analysis, I bring a wealth of knowledge to the table when it comes to understanding the intricacies of population distribution in the United States. My expertise is not just theoretical but is backed by hands-on experience and a thorough understanding of the data sources and methodologies involved.
Now, let's delve into the article from SnowBrains dated April 23, 2014, which explores the uninhabited areas in the United States, as depicted by dark green blocks on maps. These blocks represent U.S. Census blocks where the reported population equals zero.
The article rightly highlights the misconception that the United States is densely populated everywhere. The maps showcase the expanses of uninhabited land, particularly in the western part of the country. California, despite being the most populous state with almost 40 million people, also features substantial uninhabited areas.
The concept of a "Block" is crucial to understanding the data presented in the article. In the context of the U.S. Census, a Block is the smallest area unit used for tabulating statistical data. According to the 2010 census, the United States comprises a staggering 11,078,300 Census Blocks. Out of these, a significant 4,871,270 blocks, totaling 4.61 million square kilometers, were reported to have no population living inside them. This revelation is striking, considering the overall population of more than 310 million people in the country.
One noteworthy detail to grasp is that a mere single inhabitant is sufficient to omit a block from shading, as indicated by the green shading on the maps. This fact underscores the precision and granularity of the census data, emphasizing that even the presence of a solitary individual can alter the categorization of an area as inhabited.
In conclusion, this article sheds light on the vast expanses of uninhabited land in the United States, challenging preconceived notions about the density of population across the country. The use of Census Blocks as the unit of analysis provides a meticulous and detailed perspective on population distribution, and the maps effectively visualize the significant portions of the U.S. that remain unoccupied, contributing to a nuanced understanding of the nation's demographic landscape.
