Lawrence, Massachusetts exhibits characteristics of an urban city based on its population density and development patterns. As of 2022, the city had a population of 87,952 within an area of 7.43 square miles, resulting in a population density of 12,691 people per square mile. This density level indicates a compact urban environment.

The city's population has shown growth over the past decade, increasing from 76,526 in 2010 to its current level. This growth trend suggests ongoing urban development. The rise in population density, from 11,043 people per square mile in 2010 to the current level, supports this observation.

Lawrence's urban landscape likely consists of a combination of mid-rise and high-rise buildings to accommodate its dense population. Living spaces in such an environment typically range from 500 to 1,000 square feet. With an estimated 33,698 housing units based on the 2022 population and the national average household size of 2.61 persons, the city appears to have a diverse housing stock.