Based on the history of urbanization, a reasonable prediction about the future of cities and hinterlands is:
Urban hinterlands will continue to increase in population even if central cities do not.
This reflects the trend of suburbanization and the growth of areas outside major urban centers, as people seek more space, affordable housing, and different lifestyles. The growth of remote work and technology also supports this trend, allowing more people to live in hinterlands while being connected to urban economies.