Variability analysis of the rank distribution of the Polish cities (1950–2022) using rank clocks

Abstract The aim of the article is to identify and interpret macro and micro changes in the urban settlement system of Poland over a period of 70 years. It can be used to better understand this system and to conduct comparative research with other systems. The population within the administrative boundaries of the cities was used as a variable. The study used the results of the Polish population censuses published by the Central Statistical Office. First, their distribution according to the size rule of Zipf’s ranks in 1950 and 2022 was presented. Zipf’s curve did not significantly change its parameters, except that the number of inhabitants in cities increased. However, at the micro-level, changes in rank were observed and further analysed. For this purpose, a modified Zipf graph and a rank clock according to Batty were used. On a micro scale, it was noted that some cities spectacularly improved their position in the ranking of the 100 largest, pushing other cities out of it. Some cities were in and out of the ranking. The largest Polish cities appeared to be the most stable. The reasons for these changes were discussed and the trajectories of sample cities were presented.