There are some exaggerations in the linked article.

The figures given for Marja are 80,000 pop. and 125 sq. mi.
Pittsburgh officially has 58 sq. mi. but the Metro area is 5343 sq. mi.
[One of the problems of many American cities is that they have not incorporated the surrounding urban-suburban population, hence have a very small tax base and insufficient funds].

Calgary, Alberta, my city, has 727 sq. km or 280.5 sq. mi. It has been allowed to annex adjacent populated areas where most single-family homes and their malls are. Population about 1.1 million within the present limits, which are set to expand again soon.

The general atlas figures for Marja of 80,000-125,000 population in an area of approx. 125 sq. mi. looks pretty well-populated to me.
An area of 125 sq. mi. = about 10 x 12 miles, not very large. To a westerner, anyhow, it doesn't look 'rural'.

'Incorporation' is meaningless in some U. S. states. California has several 'cities' with fairly large populations and areas. What is an 'incorporated' city in Afghanistan? Does it exist or correspond to any of our 'official' divisions?