Rural vs Urban – Difference and Comparison

What is Rural?

Rural areas are characterized by a low population density and small towns. Most residents of rural areas live in single-family homes or small apartments. The majority of the population is employed in agriculture, forestry, or fishing. Other common industries include tourism and hospitality, manufacturing, and mining.

Rural areas have a close-knit community feel, with everyone knowing each other. Residents are friendly and helpful to newcomers. There are a wide variety of clubs and organizations to get involved in, from sports teams to book clubs.

The scenery in rural areas is breathtaking, with rolling hills, green fields, and picturesque forests. There are many opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and fishing.

The pace of life in rural areas is slower than in urban areas. This can be a good thing, as it allows residents to enjoy a more relaxed lifestyle. However, it can also be a downside, as it can make it difficult to access essential services such as healthcare and education.

What is Urban?

The term “urban” can refer to many different things, but most it is used to describe densely populated areas, characterized by high levels of economic activity. Cities are the most obvious examples of urban areas, but other densely populated areas such as suburbs and towns can also be considered urban.

The term “urban” is used to describe areas that are considered to be the opposite of rural. While both urban and rural areas have their own unique features and challenges, urban areas are more densely populated and have a higher concentration of businesses and other economic activity.

Urban areas can be found all over the world, and their size and population density can vary greatly. Some urban areas are home to millions of people, while others, such as small towns, may only have a few thousand residents. Despite their differences, all urban areas share some common features.

 One of the most obvious is the high density of the population. This can lead to a number of challenges, such as increased traffic and congestion, higher crime rates, and a greater need for social services. Another common feature of urban areas is the diversity of people and cultures.

Difference Between Rural and Urban

  1. The most obvious difference is the population density. Urban areas are more densely populated than rural areas. This means that there are more people living in smaller areas in urban areas.
  2. There are more people competing for resources, such as jobs, housing, and services.
  3. Another difference between rural and urban areas is the type of housing. In urban areas, housing is closer together and taller. This is because there is less land available per person in urban areas. In rural areas, there is more land available per person. This means that houses are more spread out and shorter.
  4. The type of jobs available also differs between rural and urban areas. In urban areas, there are more jobs available in-service industries, such as healthcare, retail, and food service. In rural areas, there are more jobs available in agriculture and manufacturing.
  5. The way of life also differs between rural and urban areas. In urban areas, people tend to be more focused on their careers and have less time for leisure activities. In rural areas, people tend to have more time for leisure activities and for socializing with their neighbours.

Comparison Between Rural and Urban

Parameters of ComparisonRuralUrban
EconomyPredominantly primary industryDominated by secondary and tertiary
Occupational structureAgriculture and other primary activitiesManufacturing, Industries, construction, and service activities
Educational levels and provisionsLower than national averagesHigher than national averages
Accessibility to services and informationLowHigh
EthnicityMore homogeneousVaried

References

  1. Rural-urban interactions: a guide to the literature – Cecilia Tacoli, 1998 (sagepub.com)
  2. Rural and urban areas: comparing lives using rural/urban classifications | SpringerLink