Now I can clearly see the bonus question: "If the town of Billerica is about 26 square miles and has 40,243 people in it, what is its population density?"
To calculate population density, I need to divide the population by the area:
Population density = Population ÷ Area
Population density = 40,243 ÷ 26
Population density ≈ 1,547.8 people per square mile
This calculation is correct. The population density of Billerica is approximately 1,547.8 people per square mile.
Let me now summarize all the answers to the questions:
1. The most densely populated counties in Massachusetts are those colored red on the map: Suffolk, Middlesex, Norfolk, Essex, Plymouth, Bristol, and Barnstable counties.
2. You would be least likely to find cities in Berkshire County, which is colored light green on the map, indicating the lowest population density (0-125.9 people per square mile).
3. The counties near Suffolk County are also densely populated because they form part of the Greater Boston metropolitan area. People live in these surrounding counties but work in Boston, creating a commuter belt with good transportation links to the economic and cultural center of the state.
4. The town of Andover has a population density of 1,007.8, which is the threshold for the highest density category. It could be located in any of the red-colored counties: Suffolk, Middlesex, Norfolk, Essex, Plymouth, Bristol, or Barnstable counties. (Andover is actually in Essex County.)
BONUS: The population density of Billerica is approximately 1,547.8 people per square mile (40,243 people ÷ 26 square miles).
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of population map worksheet.
