NCRS - The Changing Midwest Assessment

While the population density of the Region as a whole has remained relatively stable, it is important to note that very dramatic changes are taking place at smaller scales (see Minneapolis-St. Paul, Milwaukee, Chicago, St. Louis, Indianapolis and Detroit on the Change map above). Research is currently underway at the North Central Research Station to understand the ecological, economic, and social forces that drive localized changes in population density. Further, we are developing a set of interactive, web-based tools that will allow users to visualize the spatial distribution of changes that are likely in the future given a range of alternative economic, social, and ecological scenarios.