The average size of households in Mexico in 2010

The map below shows the average number of inhabitants per household (“household size”) for each of Mexico’s states.

The national average household size is 3.9 persons. The middle band on the map shows those states with household size between 3.7 and 4.0 inclusive. The darkest shade shows states with a household size of 4.1 or greater; the lightest shade shows those with a household size of 3.6 or smaller.

Average household size in Mexico, 2010. Cartography: Tony Burton; all rights reserved.

Discussion questions:

• Compare this map with the maps of:

1. potable water,
2. GDP/person
3. infant mortality

• Discuss the possible reasons for any connections you note between household size, potable water, GDP/person and infant mortality.
• What other factors might also affect household sizes?
• What are the drawbacks to using any of these measures (household size, potable water, GDP/person, infant mortality) on their own as a development indicator?

Development indices of various kinds are discussed in chapters 29 and 30 of Geo-Mexico: the geography and dynamics of modern Mexico. Ask your local library to purchase a copy today!