Which phenomenon can lead to urban decay in cities?

Urban decay refers to the decline of a urban area due to a combination of factors, typically characterized by a decrease in population, a drop in property values, and a deterioration of infrastructure and services. The phenomenon that primarily leads to urban decay is economic decline.

When cities experience economic downturns, it often results in businesses closing, unemployment rising, and reduced tax revenues for local governments. This economic instability can cause people to move away in search of better opportunities, leading to a loss of population. As more individuals leave the area, demand for housing decreases, which can drive property values down. Additionally, with fewer resources, the local government may struggle to maintain essential services, public spaces, and infrastructure, leading to an overall decline in the quality of life for the residents that remain.

In contrast, population increase tends to support urban growth and vitality, government investment can revitalize areas and improve infrastructure, and infrastructure development typically leads to urban improvement rather than decay. Hence, economic decline stands out as the primary driver of urban decay.