City vs. Township: Difference and Comparison
Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Updated on September 29, 2023
A city is a large populated area with a defined administrative and governmental structure, while a township is a smaller administrative division often within a county or state, sometimes rural.
Difference Between City and Township
A city is typically understood as a large, dense urban settlement with established infrastructural amenities. It often has its own administrative governance, which can include a mayor or a city council. Cities are usually characterized by their vibrant socio-economic activities, cultural centers, and diversified populations.
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Sep 29, 2023
On the other hand, a township is generally a subdivision of a county or a state. It's a form of administrative division, which can be either urban or rural. Townships might not have the same dense population or as diverse economic activities as cities.
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Sep 29, 2023
While cities often become hubs for industries, businesses, and cultural activities, attracting populations from various backgrounds, townships tend to have a more localized, sometimes community-driven approach. The governance in townships may differ, with some having elected officials and others having appointed ones.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 29, 2023
In terms of scale, cities usually cover larger areas and have more inhabitants than townships. The designation of a place as a city or township also depends largely on state or country-specific legal definitions, which might vary. However, the underlying distinction remains: cities are larger, more urban, and have a separate administrative structure, whereas townships are smaller administrative divisions, often within larger political entities.
Elijah
Sep 29, 2023
City vs. Township Comparison Chart
Definition
A large populated area with a defined administrative structure.
A subdivision often within a county or state.
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Sep 29, 2023
Size and Population
Generally larger and more densely populated.
Generally smaller, can be urban or rural.
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Sep 29, 2023
Governance
Has its own administrative system, e.g., mayor or city council.
Administrative division, governance varies.
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Economic Activity
Diverse, from industries to businesses and cultural centers.
More localized, often community-driven.
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Common Location
Standalone or within counties/states.
Typically subdivisions within a county or state.
Leo
Sep 29, 2023
City vs. Township Definitions
◉City
A city is a large urban area with its own governance.
New York is a bustling city known for its skyscrapers.
Elijah
Sep 29, 2023
◉Township
A township often reflects a more close-knit community.
Community events in the township were well-attended by residents.
Elijah
Sep 29, 2023
◉City
A city often serves as a hub for cultural and economic activities.
The city hosted a variety of international festivals every year.
Olivia
Sep 29, 2023
◉Township
A township is an administrative division often within larger political entities.
The township held a fair every summer for local residents.
Henry
Sep 29, 2023
◉City
A city has a dense and diversified population.
The city's demographic makeup represents people from all over the world.
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Sep 29, 2023
◉Township
A township has a localized administrative system.
The township committee discussed the renovation of local parks.
Henry
Sep 29, 2023
◉City
A city encompasses vast infrastructural and administrative facilities.
The city council announced plans to improve public transportation.
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Sep 29, 2023
◉Township
A township can be urban or rural in its characteristics.
The township, despite its rural setting, had a bustling market.
William
Sep 29, 2023
◉City
A city is characterized by a high degree of urbanization.
The city skyline was illuminated with lights from tall buildings.
Henry
Sep 29, 2023
◉Township
A township is typically smaller in scale than a city.
The quiet township was a stark contrast to the noisy city nearby.
Olivia
Sep 29, 2023
◉City
A center of population, commerce, and culture; a town of significant size and importance.
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May 03, 2023
◉Township
A subdivision of a county in most northeast and Midwest US states, having the status of a unit of local government with varying governmental powers.
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May 03, 2023
◉City
An incorporated municipality in the United States with definite boundaries and legal powers set forth in a charter granted by the state.
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May 03, 2023
◉City
A Canadian municipality of high rank, usually determined by population but varying by province.
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May 03, 2023
◉City
A large incorporated town in Great Britain, usually the seat of a bishop, with its title conferred by the Crown.
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◉Township
A suburb or city in South Africa formerly designated by the government as a predominantly black residential area.
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◉City
(Slang) Used in combination as an intensive
The playing field was mud city after the big rain.
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◉City
A large settlement, bigger than a town; sometimes with a specific legal definition, depending on the place.
São Paulo is the largest city in South America.
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◉City
(UK) A settlement granted special status by royal charter or letters patent; traditionally, a settlement with a cathedral regardless of size.
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◉City
(Australia) The central business district; downtown.
I'm going into the city today to do some shopping.
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◉Township
In surveys of the public land of the United States, a division of territory six miles square, containing 36 sections.
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◉City
(slang) A large amount of something used after the noun.
It’s video game city in here!
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◉Township
an administrative division of a county;
the town is responsible for snow removal
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May 03, 2023
◉City
A corporate town; in the United States, a town or collective body of inhabitants, incorporated and governed by a mayor and aldermen or a city council consisting of a board of aldermen and a common council; in Great Britain, a town corporate, which is or has been the seat of a bishop, or the capital of his see.
A city is a town incorporated; which is, or has been, the see of a bishop; and though the bishopric has been dissolved, as at Westminster, it yet remaineth a city.
When Gorges constituted York a city, he of course meant it to be the seat of a bishop, for the word city has no other meaning in English law.
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May 03, 2023
◉City
a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts;
Ancient Troy was a great city
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◉City
an incorporated administrative district established by state charter;
the city raised the tax rate
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◉City
people living in a large densely populated municipality;
the city voted for Republicans in 1994
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May 03, 2023
City vs. Township Frequently Asked Questions
What differentiates a city from a township?
A city is a larger urban area with its own governance while a township is often a smaller administrative division.
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Sep 29, 2023
Can a township become a city?
Yes, depending on legal definitions and requirements of a specific region, a township can be incorporated as a city.
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Sep 29, 2023
Is a city always more populated than a township?
While cities are generally denser and larger, there might be exceptions based on regional definitions.
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Sep 29, 2023
Can a city be within a township?
In some jurisdictions, it's possible for a city to be part of a larger township, though it's not common.
William
Sep 29, 2023
Do all countries have townships?
No, the concept and presence of townships vary from country to country.
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Sep 29, 2023
Who governs a city?
A city is usually governed by elected officials such as a mayor or city council, depending on the city's administrative structure.
Henry
Sep 29, 2023
Are townships rural?
Townships can be either rural or urban, depending on their characteristics and location.
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Sep 29, 2023
Why are cities considered economic hubs?
Due to their size, infrastructure, and diverse population, cities often attract businesses, industries, and cultural activities, making them economic hubs.
Leo
Sep 29, 2023
What's the importance of townships?
Townships play a crucial role in local governance, community-building, and often serve as residential or commercial centers in specific regions.
Nolan
Sep 29, 2023
Do cities have more amenities than townships?
Typically, cities have a wider range of amenities due to their size and population, but some well-developed townships might also offer various amenities.
Nolan
Sep 29, 2023
Content Creators
Written by
Muneeza RehmanAt Comparisons.wiki, Muneeza skillfully navigates the vast sea of information, ensuring clarity and accuracy as the lead content editor. With a keen eye for detail, she curates every comparison to enlighten and engage readers.
Edited by
Muazma BatoolAs a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.
