Income inequality in tourism services-dependent counties

Income inequality has been increasing across the USA, but little is known about income inequality in tourism services-dependent counties. Using data from the 1990 and 2000 US Population and Housing Census, this study examines the patterns and trends of income inequality for tourism services-dependent counties. The analysis reveals that in the US tourism services-dependent counties have greater income inequality than non-tourism services-dependent counties. Furthermore, inequality has increased faster in tourism services-dependent counties than for the nation as a whole. Among tourism services-dependent counties, ski resort, coastal ocean resort, and South Appalachian mountain resort counties manifest the highest income inequality. In contrast, income inequality of northwoods lakes/second home areas and northeast mountains/lakes/second home areas is relatively low. The need for additional research on economic inequality in tourism services-dependent areas is also discussed.