[Spunky]

"It is when you get down to around #93 that you get about a 50-50 mix... and that's where the cities are approximately 240,000 in total population... so my hypothesis is that this level is where humans as a species being to change their behaviors and their norms and their psychology, from freedom and independence and self-sufficiency into dependence and security and more Marxist ideals."

I believe your hypothesis to be true. I moved back to my hometown, Pasco, from CA in 1979. Lovely conservative area.
"According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the population of the Tri-Cities metropolitan area in Washington State in 1980 was 144,469."

NOW
"The estimated population of the Tri-Cities metropolitan area (Kennewick-Pasco-Richland) in July 2024 was 319,000. This area encompasses Benton and Franklin counties in Washington state. The Tri-Cities area itself is composed of Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland. The Tri-Cities is experiencing significant population growth, making it the fastest-growing area in the state this decade. Kennewick is the most populous city in the area, with an estimated 87,120 residents, followed by Pasco with 82,220 and Richland with 64,190."

And it has gotten pretty awful around here.

[norsky]

Wow 300k, Well, I like it but no lakes. Nice parks along river. Road system pretty good. Less snow.