What Causes Spatial Variations in Economic Development in the United States?
构建理论模型分析企业和家庭选址决策，实证估计工资、就业密度、房价和土地开发密度空间差异的成因，发现偏远性是主因，自然禀赋决定房价，公共投资可促进偏远地区发展。
Abstract This article examines the causes of spatial disparities in economic development in the United States. A theoretical model is developed to analyze the location decisions of firms and households. An empirical model is estimated to quantify the contribution of alternative factors to spatial variations in wage, employment density, housing price, and land development density. Results suggest that remoteness is a primary cause of spatial disparities in economic development, while natural amenities are a major determinant of housing prices. Despite the dominant role of geography, public investments in infrastructure and human capital development could contribute to economic development in remote areas.