While I agree comparing the "legacy" city boundaries of Cincinnati and Cleveland isn't comparable to the annexation boundaries of Columbus, it is notable that of all the annexation-happy cities in the United States, Columbus is doing quite well, density-wise.
2024 Top 25 Cities (Annexation-Happy ones, not like NYC or Chicago or something):
San Jose (178 sq mi) = 5,603
Las Vegas (141 sq mi) = 4,815
San Diego (325 sq mi) = 4,321
Columbus (220 sq mi) = 4,242
Dallas (339 sq mi) = 3,911
Houston (640 sq mi) = 3,734
Phoenix (518 sq mi) = 3,230
Austin (319 sq mi) = 3,114
San Antonio (498 sq mi) = 3,065
Charlotte (308 sq mi) = 3,063
Fort Worth (347 sq mi) = 2,905
El Paso (258 sq mi) = 2,642
Indianapolis (361 sq mi) = 2,469
Nashville (475 sq mi) = 1,484
Jacksonville (747 sq mi) = 1,351
Oklahoma City (606 sq mi) = 1,176
So aside from California cities and Las Vegas (which might as well be one), Columbus is doing "the best" for all the annexation-friendly cities. And you're right, we'll never reach Detroit's highest peak...because we're aiming for São Paulo, fool!!!!
Threaded Mode