THE IDENTIFICATION OF RECREATIONAL COUNTIES IN NONMETROPOLITAN AREAS OF THE USA

Nonmetropolitan counties in the USA with significant concentrations of recreational activity are identified using a combination of quantitat ive and contextual indicators. The 285 counties identified as recreati onal encompass 12 percent of the nonmetropolitan counties and 15 perce nt of the 1990 nonmetropolitan population. Population growth in such c ounties has consistently exceeded that in other nonmetropolitan areas as well as that in metropolitan areas. Net migration accounted for mos t of the population growth in such counties during the 24 years consid ered. The revenue and expenditure patterns of local governments in rec reational counties differ from those elsewhere suggesting significant policy concerns.