The role of amenities and quality of life in rural economic growth

Steven C. Deller; Tsung-Hsiu (Sue) Tsai; David W. Marcouiller; Donald B.K. English

Treesearch

The role of amenities and quality of life in rural economic growth

Informally Refereed

Authors:

Steven C. Deller, Tsung-Hsiu (Sue) Tsai, David W. Marcouiller, Donald B.K. English

Year:

2001

Type:

Scientific Journal

Station:

Southern Research Station

Source:

American Journal of Agricultural Economics. 83(2): 352-365.

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Abstract

A structural model of regional economic growth is estimated using data for 2243 rural US. counties. Five indices designed to capture specific amenity and quality of life characteristics are constructed using 54 separate indicators. Results suggest that amenity characteristics can be organized into consistent and meaningful empirical measures that move beyond ad hoc descriptions of amenities. In addition to insights into the influence of local characteristics ranging from tax burdens to income distribution on regional economic growth, results suggest that predictable relationships between amenities, quality of life, and local economic performance exist.

Citation

Deller, Steven C.; Tsai, Tsung-Hsiu (Sue); Marcouiller, David W.; English, Donald B.K. 2001. The role of amenities and quality of life in rural economic growth. American Journal of Agricultural Economics. 83(2): 352-365.