Publication Date:
2012-10-20
Description:
Small communities almost universally worry about out-migration and the negative effects of out-migration on community viability. Using Oregon community-level data and applying the threshold estimation method of Hansen (Econometrica 68(3):575–603, 2000 ), we are able to identify population thresholds that distinguish small communities from their larger counterparts based on significant structural differences in factors affecting net migration. Our results suggest that smaller communities are more at risk of population decline than larger ones. After controlling for spatial spillovers from neighboring communities, the average net migration rate is 3 % in the larger communities (roughly above 5,000 population), 2 % in the mid-sized communities (roughly between 1,250 and 5,000) and - 3 % in the smallest communities (roughly less than 1,250). Other things equal, geographic isolation from large cities and low wage rates provide some protection from net out-migration for the smallest communities, but even for the smallest places, a larger population base lowers the risk of net out-migration. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s00168-012-0541-1 Authors Yong Chen, Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Oregon State University, 219B Ballard Extension Hall, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA Lena Etuk, College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, 103 Ballard Extension Hall, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA Bruce Weber, Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Oregon State University, 240G Ballard Extension Hall, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA Journal The Annals of Regional Science Online ISSN 1432-0592 Print ISSN 0570-1864
Print ISSN:
0570-1864
Electronic ISSN:
1432-0592
Topics:
Architecture, Civil Engineering, Surveying
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Geography
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Economics
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