The East-West Divide: Understanding Why 80% of Americans Call the East Home

Introduction

The United States is known for its diverse geography and regional cultures, but there is a distinct line that separates the country into two distinct regions - the East and the West. According to data from the US Census Bureau, nearly 80% of the American population lives east of the 100th meridian, a line that runs from the Canadian border in North Dakota to the Gulf of Mexico in Texas. The concentration of population on one side of the country raises the question, why do so many Americans choose to live on the East Side of this line?

Geography and Climate

One of the most significant factors that draws people to the East Side of the 100th meridian is the more temperate climate. The eastern half of the US is classified as a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters. In comparison, the western half of the country is dominated by arid and semi-arid climates, characterized by hot summers, cold winters, and less precipitation.

The eastern half of the US is also home to many of the country's most significant water resources, including the Great Lakes, the Mississippi River, and the Atlantic Ocean. These bodies of water provide not only drinking water for the region's residents but also support thriving agricultural and commercial fishing industries. In contrast, the western half of the country is characterized by vast deserts, limited water resources, and a more challenging climate for agriculture.

Economic Opportunities

Another significant factor that draws people to the East Side of the 100th meridian is the abundance of economic opportunities. The region is home to some of the country's most significant metropolitan areas, including New York City, Washington D.C., and Boston, which are hubs for finance, government, and technology. These cities offer a wide range of job opportunities in industries such as finance, law, and healthcare, which attract a large number of educated and skilled workers.

In contrast, the western half of the country has a more dispersed population and fewer large metropolitan areas, which limits job opportunities in certain industries. The region is home to several significant industries, including tech, tourism, and natural resources, but these industries are spread out over a large geographic area, making it challenging for workers to find employment in their field.

Historical Roots

The concentration of population on the East Side of the 100th meridian can also be traced back to the country's historical roots. The first European settlements in the United States were established on the East Coast, and the region has been the center of American political and cultural life since the country's founding. As the country expanded westward, the East Coast remained the hub of commerce and industry, attracting people and investment to the region.

The western half of the country was not settled as quickly as the East Coast, and the harsh climate, limited resources, and distance from major markets made it less attractive for settlers and industry. As a result, the West has traditionally been a less populated region, and many of the cities and towns in the area have grown more slowly than their eastern counterparts.

Conclusion

The concentration of population on the East Side of the 100th meridian is due to a combination of geography, climate, economic opportunities, and historical roots. The temperate climate, abundant water resources, and thriving metropolitan areas on the East Coast make it an attractive place to live and work, while the harsh climate, limited resources, and dispersed population on the West Coast make it a less desirable place to call home. Understanding the factors that drive Americans to live on the East Side of the 100th meridian is essential for understanding the country's regional differences and the challenges facing the West.