A science journalist is creating a data visualization showing the population growth of a city over 50 years. The population grew from 50,000 to 80,000. What is the percentage increase in population?

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 03:01:23 +0000

**How a Science Journalist Analyzes Population Growth: A Data Story Behind 50,000 to 80,000 Over 50 Years** In cities across the United States, demographic shifts are shaping communities in visible, measurable ways. A science journalist is now crafting a compelling data visualization that tracks one such transformation: a city that grew from 50,000 residents to 80,000 over a half-century. This steady increase—representing a percentage rise that reveals more than just numbers—has drawn growing attention, especially as urban populations adapt to changing economic and cultural landscapes. The transformation from 50,000 to 80,000 represents a significant demographic milestone. But what does this growth truly mean? Beyond the raw increase of 30,000 people, the story lies in the pace, context, and implications—insights that matter to city planners, residents, and curious observers alike. With growing interest in urban sustainability, housing demand, and resource planning, this shift reflects broader patterns of internal migration and regional development. A science journalist is bringing clarity through visualization, illustrating how a population rose by 60% over 50 years—an increase driven by both natural growth and migration. This growth rate, appearing nuanced at first glance, reveals increasing pressure on infrastructure and opportunity, but also signals resilient vitality and evolving community needs.