Equilibrium and Change in Nonmetropolitan Growth.

Abstract

The reversal of relative growth rates of metropolitan and nonmetropolitan counties in the United States from 1970-1975 has implications for theories of urbanization as well as for internal population redistribution. This reversal is analyzed in the context of metropolitan expansion changing demographic composition and preferences for residential location. With a possible temporary equilibrium in the exchange of metropolitan and nonmetropolitan populations demographic trends and expressed residential preferences suggest the continued growth through inmigration of nonmetropolitan counties which are adjacent to metropolitan centers. Nonmetropolitan counties more remote from metropolitan areas may also experience continued growth as a consequence of earlier and more widely diffused retirement and death benefits the growth of recreational communities and the increasing locational flexibility of other services-related industries. (authors)