Urban Growth in South America

Summary

Report submitted for Onyx Data DataDNA ZoomCharts Mini Challenge, February 2025. The report is based on the Demographic and Urbanization dataset and includes ZoomCharts custom Drill Down PRO visuals for Power BI. 

Authors Description 

Urban Growth in South America: A Generational Perspective
Urbanization in South America has accelerated over the years, transforming the region into one of the most urbanized in the world. Each generation has witnessed significant shifts:

Baby Boomers saw the early stages of urban growth.
Gen X experienced the fastest expansion, with Brazil's urban population surpassing its rural counterpart.
Millennials and Gen Z solidified urban dominance, with over 66% of the population residing in cities.
By Gen Alpha, urban growth continued but fluctuated, underscoring the need for sustainable urban planning.
Key Takeaways:
🔹 Rapid & Consistent Urbanization – Urbanization jumped from 13.3% during the Baby Boomers to over 66% by Gen Z, with a sharp decline in rural populations.
🔹 Urban vs. Rural Divide – Upper middle-income nations lead urbanization (13B urban, 4B rural), while high-income nations have minimal rural populations.
🔹 Income Group Trends – 91.57% of the population falls in the upper middle-income category, with Brazil leading in this segment.
🔹 Sustainable Growth Planning – With annual urban growth at 16.55%, cities must prioritize infrastructure and resource management for long-term sustainability.

This generational shift highlights the urgent need for adaptive urban policies that support economic growth while ensuring social and environmental balance.