Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Urban sprawl refers to the uncontrolled expansion of cities into surrounding rural areas. It often leads to low-density development with increased infrastructure demands and environmental impacts.
Related terms
Land Use Planning: The process of regulating the use of land in order to achieve sustainable development and avoid issues like urban sprawl.
Infrastructure: The basic physical structures and facilities needed for the functioning of a society, such as roads, buildings, and utilities.
Suburbanization: The process of population movement from central urban areas to suburban regions surrounding cities.