Job Decentralization and Central-City Well-Being

To contribute to the understanding of the relationship between job decentralization and central-city well-being, this study undertakes some statistical tests using intermetropolitan-level data for the United States. Unlike previous studies, the relationship is tested here with sectoral data. A strong negative association between job decentralization and economic well-being of central-city residents is observed in terms of almost all indicators of well-being. This association is stronger when decentralization is considered in the low-wage sectors, such as retailing. The research findings have serious policy implications in regard to location of activities and provision of transportation infrastructure and facilities.