What is the best way to compare populations of different counties?

The most effective method for comparing populations of different counties is using people per square mile. This measurement accounts for both the total number of inhabitants and the land area over which the population is distributed. By considering population density, you can better understand how crowded or sparsely populated different areas are, which can reflect on social and economic factors such as infrastructure needs, resource allocation, and community services.

Total number of inhabitants alone does not provide a meaningful comparison because a larger county may naturally have more people, but that does not take into account its size. Similarly, birth and death rates offer insights into population dynamics but do not directly address the overall population comparison between counties. Assessing economic output can indicate economic performance, but it does not effectively reflect population size or density, which is crucial for understanding demographic differences.