Which element of a community encompasses demographics and population distribution?

Demographics is the correct choice because it specifically refers to the statistical characteristics of a population, including factors such as age, gender, race, ethnicity, and population distribution. Understanding demographics is essential in community planning and development, as it provides insights into the composition and needs of a community.

By analyzing demographic data, stakeholders can make informed decisions about resource allocation, services, and policies that are responsive to the community's actual composition. For instance, understanding the age distribution can help in planning for schools, healthcare facilities, or recreational areas suited to various age groups.

While culture involves the shared beliefs, values, and practices of a community, and economy deals with the financial and job-related aspects, neither directly captures the statistical makeup of the community like demographics does. History, on the other hand, encompasses past events and developments that have shaped the community, but again, it does not provide the specific statistical insight into the population distribution that demographics does.