Final answer:
About 80% of the U.S. population lives in urban areas, a notable increase since 1900, when only 40% did. This urbanization trend is linked to economic development.
Step-by-step explanation:
The percentage of people in the U.S. that live in urban areas is 80 percent. This reflects a significant change over the past century, with urbanization increasing from 40% in 1900 to its current level. About 80% of the population in the United States now lives in urban areas. This means that urban areas, including the suburbs around cities, are home to the majority of people in the country. This percentage has significantly increased from just 40% in 1900.
The trend towards urban living is a common characteristic of developing economies, where industrialization, better job opportunities, and a range of services contribute to the agglomeration of populations in cities. This growth presents challenges, such as ensuring sustainable development and managing infrastructure needs in both developed and developing nations.