Spatial variation of nonmetropolitan industrial location

This study examines economic development and industrial location in the rural Southeast using a varying coefficient model. Empirical results generated with a Poisson regression show that the varying coefficient model is appropriate and that the posited variables help explain the number of manufacturing firms which have located to a rural county. The model distinguishes between the ability of a county to attract industry both independent of distance and as a function of the distance to the nearest strategic urban center. Differences exist between the locational preferences of traditional industry and nontraditionial (diversification-enhancing) industry.