Demographia

Demographia may refer to either the scientific field of studying populations or a private research organization that publishes reports on urban areas and housing affordability.

Demography is the statistical study of populations, including their size, composition, and distribution across space and over time. It analyzes births, deaths, migrations, aging, and other demographic processes. Researchers use sources such as censuses, vital statistics, and large surveys to measure indicators like fertility rates, life expectancy, and age structure. Demographic methods include population projections and modeling to forecast future needs in health, education, housing, and infrastructure.

Demographia is an independent research organization that publishes periodic reports on urban areas and housing affordability. Its publications include the Demographia World Urban Areas and the Demographia International Housing Affordability Survey. The organization draws on official statistics and policy analysis to examine population distribution, urban form, and the effects of land-use regulations. Its work is cited by policymakers and media, but has also faced criticism from scholars for its methods and definitions. In standard usage, demography is the preferred term for the field; demographia is most often encountered as a brand name or historical spelling.

Overall, both senses reflect ongoing interest in how populations change and how policy shapes those changes, whether through scholarly study of demographic processes or through applied analysis of urban form and housing markets.