Population Growth Rate Calculator
Understanding Population Growth Rate
Population growth rate is a fundamental concept in demography and ecology, measuring how the size of a population changes over time. It's often expressed as a percentage and is influenced by factors such as birth rates, death rates, immigration, and emigration. A positive growth rate indicates an increasing population, while a negative rate signifies a declining population.
The formula used to calculate the average annual population growth rate is:
Growth Rate (%) = [(Final Population – Initial Population) / Initial Population] / Time Period (in years) * 100
This calculator helps you determine this rate, providing insights into whether a population is expanding, shrinking, or remaining stable over a given period. This information is crucial for various applications, including urban planning, resource management, and understanding the impact of environmental or social changes on a population.
Example Calculation:
Let's say a city had an Initial Population of 500,000 people. After 10 years, its Final Population grew to 575,000 people. The Time Period is 10 years.
Growth Rate (%) = [($575,000 – $500,000) / $500,000] / 10 * 100
Growth Rate (%) = [$75,000 / $500,000] / 10 * 100
Growth Rate (%) = [0.15] / 10 * 100
Growth Rate (%) = 0.015 * 100
Growth Rate (%) = 1.5%
This means the city's population grew at an average annual rate of 1.5% over that decade.