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IEB12-02_Giesen.pdf (483.03 KB)

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Working paper

Publication date

2012

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cc-by-nc-nd, (c) Giesen et al., 2012
Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/2445/116303

The size distribution across all “cities”: a unifying approach

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Abstract

In this paper we show that the double Pareto lognormal (DPLN) parameterization provides an excellent fit to the overall US city size distribution, regardless of whether “cities” are administratively defined Census places or economically defined area clusters. We then consider an economic model that combines scale-independent urban growth (Gibrat’s law) with endogenous city creation. City sizes converge to a DPLN distribution in this model, which is much better in line with the data than previous urban growth frameworks that predict a lognormal or a Pareto city size distribution (Zipf’s law).

Subject

Models economètrics, Geografia econòmica, Desenvolupament urbà

Subject (English)

Econometric models, Economic geography, Urban development

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IEB (Institut d’Economia de Barcelona) – Working Papers

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GIESEN, Kristian and SUEDEKUM, Jens. The size distribution across all “cities”: a unifying approach. IEB Working Paper 2012/02. [consulted: 7 of August of 2026]. Available at: https://hdl.handle.net/2445/116303

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