---
title: "Over-Urbanization Definition and Impact | Model Diplomat"
description: "Over-urbanization occurs when urban growth exceeds economic development, leading to unsustainable city populations. Key for urban planners and policymakers."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/over-urbanization"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- Over-urbanization is a condition in which a region's level of urbanization outpaces its industrial and economic growth, producing urban populations that the urban economy cannot productively absorb.
- How does over-urbanization differ from genuine urbanization?
- Who introduced the concept of over-urbanization?
- What is the relation between over-urbanization and slums in India?
- Why is the concept of over-urbanization criticized?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

Over-urbanization is a condition in which a region's level of urbanization outpaces its industrial and economic growth, producing urban populations that the urban economy cannot productively absorb.

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In the 2011 Census, Greater Mumbai's slum population exceeded 40 per cent of its residents, with Dharavi exemplifying over-urbanization as migrants outpaced formal-sector jobs and civic capacity.

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[Population Urbanization Settlements](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/lessons/upsc-geography-population-urbanization-settlements)[Urbanization Its Problems](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/lessons/upsc-indian-society-urbanization-its-problems)

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