Human capital externalities and employment differences across metropolitan areas of the USA

摘要

It has been well documented that employment outcomes often differ considerably across areas. This article examines the extent to which the local human capital level, measured as the share of prime age adults with a college degree, has positive external effects on labor force participation (LFP) and employment for U.S. metropolitan area residents. The empirical results suggest that the local human capital level has positive externalities on the probability of LFP and employment for both women and men. We also find that less educated workers generally receive the largest external benefits.