Regional Wealth and Philanthropic Capacity Mapping

Abstract

Since 1975, wealth distribution in the United States has grown markedly more disparate, with a larger concentration of the country’s personal wealth owned by a smaller fraction of the population. Personal wealth is an important determinant in economic well-being yet is often ignored in studies of personal finances because wealth data are difficult to collect. This article introduces techniques for analyzing wealth and philanthropic capacity on a regional scale, showing how to pinpoint regions of high wealth and philanthropic capacity for county and Census block group regions. Results show how state and county measures mask large subcounty differences in financial well-being and potential for philanthropy among residents. In essence, the article introduces a new approach to economic development via targeted regional initiatives in asset retention and philanthropy.

Keywords

wealth distribution philanthropy regional economic development

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