Averaging population density

Abstract

Population density is a commonly quoted statistic. Almost no general descriptive summary of the population of an area is complete without a density listing, table or map. As each such density statistic is an average, it is worth considering what kind of average is being used. This article analyzes this and illustrates the effect of some alternative calculations using population density data for Great Britain; the findings, however, are of general validity. © 1984 ag].