Growth in Population, Not Necessarily in Prosperity

States are rowing in population, but not necessarily in terms of their economies. This post from The Atlantic explores why this presumed relationship isn't actually occurring.

1 minute read

April 5, 2011, 11:00 AM PDT

By Nate Berg

Richard Florida maps out growth in population by state and economic prosperity by state and finds some striking disconnections.

"State population growth does not necessarily translate into higher incomes, notes Harvard economist Edward Glaeser, who points out that median family incomes were $56,200, $60,800, and $56,600 in fast-growing Georgia, Nevada, and Texas, significantly lower than the $83,000, $81,000, and $66,900 found in slow-growing Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York.

If there is one thing that economists of all persuasions agree on, it's that it is productivity growth -- fueled by invention and innovation, increased skills and human capital -- that is the main driver of economic growth and greater prosperity. Higher productivity translates into higher wages and income and improved living standards."

FULL STORY: The State Story: Growth Without Growth

Monday, April 4, 2011 in The Atlantic

Community / Economic Development Social / Demographics United States Population Growth States Economic Prosperity View More

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