URBAN-POPULATION DENSITY FUNCTIONS - SOME BELGIAN EVIDENCE

We studied the suburbanisation process in Belgium. First, urban population density functions were calculated for Brussels, Antwerp and Ghent. We explained the historical evolution of the suburbanisation, using income and transport costs as the main determinants. Further, income and transport cost elasticities were calculated for the population of central city and the metropolitan area. The results indicate the sensitivity of the suburbanisation process to changes in these economic factors. Because important changes in income and transport costs can be observed during the last years, we conclude that suburbanization is probable to slow down in the near future. © 1979 The Annals of Regional Science.