Abstract
The main reasons why communities grow rapidly in population is because of their attractiveness, which incorporates both economic and non-economic considerations. However, rapid population growth can and often does deteriorate the attractiveness of a community and thus reduces the motive for further rapid population growth. This paper develops a model of individual migration based on the assumption that individuals, or households, will locate in communities which maximize their perception of the “quality of life.” When aggregated, the model can be used to describe how the attractiveness of different communities adjusts relative to one another. The influence of economic factors and the industrial base on population growth and community attractiveness are examined, and the trade-offs between economic and non-economic components of a community's “quality of life” are discussed. Finally, possible strategies for communities who wish to slow their rates of population growth are examined in light of the implications of the model.
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I have benefitted from the comments of Tom Cargill and Al DeSerpa.
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Eadington, W.R. Quality of life in the growing community. Ann Reg Sci 9, 61–71 (1975). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01287425
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01287425