Population density: What does it really mean in geographical health studies?

Abstract

Population density is an indicator in many studies, but often with only a cursory explanation of why. Unfortunately, elected officials and the media draw misleading conclusions about population density and public health. After providing three reasons why population density is linked to human health outcomes, using state, county, municipal and neighborhood scale data, we show that population density serves as a surrogate for explaining the geographical distribution of life expectancy and broadband access. However, population density loses its unique contribution when other factors influencing health are included. We urge authors to explain why they include population density in their studies.