Hansen, Niles M., and Richard YuKhin. 1970. "Locational Preferences and Opportunity Costs in a Lagging Region: A Study of High School Seniors in Eastern Kentucky." Journal of Human Resources 5(3):341-353.

This study analyzes the locational preferences of 625 graduating seniors in one of the nation's poorest areas, the Big Sandy Region of Eastern Kentucky. These preferences are examined under differing interregional wage rate assumptions for their home region, northern metropolitan areas, and Lexington and Louisville, intermediate areas in Kentucky. The findings indicate that although family considerations are still important in influencing migration paths, especially for those who do not go to college, there is considerable sensitivity to relative wages in location preferences and expectations. There is a high degree of willingness and readiness to move to areas offering better economic opportunities, and a clear tendency to prefer intermediate areas between the lagging rural area and northern metropolitan areas. The results support policies which would given potential migrants skills and training to match job opportunities in intermediate areas, as well as comprehensive relocation assistance.

Mr. Hansen is Director, Center for Economic Development, and Professor of Economics, the University of Texas at Austin. Mr. YuKhin is a graduate student at the University of Kentucky.

© 2003 by the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System

US ISSN 0022-166X

Return to JHR Home Page