Economies of density

In microeconomics, economies of density express cost savings resulting from spatial proximity of suppliers or providers. Typically higher population densities allow synergies in service provision leading to lower unit costs. If large economies of density exists there is an incentive for people to concentrate and agglomerate.[1]

Typical examples are found in logistic systems where the distribution or collection of goods is needed, such as solid waste management.[2] Delivering e.g. mail in an area with many postboxes results in overall cost savings and thus lower delivery costs. Different network infrastructures such as electricity or gas networks show as well economies of density.

Economies of density are not to be confused with economies of scale where unit costs are not linked to spatial properties.

References

  1. ↑ Jeffrey Lin (2012). "Geography, History, Economies of Density, and the Location of Cities." (PDF).
  2. ↑ Eggimann S., Truffer, B., Maurer, M. (2016). "Economies of density for on-site waste water treatment". Water Research. 101: 476–489. doi:10.1016/j.watres.2016.06.011.

See also

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