Work

The domino effect: exploring residential mobility in the aftermath of municipal mergers

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: In this article, we investigate the impact of municipal mergers on residential mobility in a quasi-natural experiment setting by examining how the local economic environment and neighbourhood composition respond to the loss of local public administration. Using comprehensive neighbourhood-level data from Denmark spanning 1996 to 2015, we find that the loss of the town hall triggers emigration, leading to a reduction in locally supplied public goods. This affects the local housing market and job availability, leading to lower housing prices, higher wages, and longer commutes. Ultimately, the loss of the town hall has major negative consequences for the inhabitants.

Source: Journal of Economic Geography

DOI: 10.1093/jeg/lbaf038

Authors: Bence Boje-Kovacs, Ismir Mulalic, Marie Louise Schultz-Nielsen

Institutions: Aalborg University, Copenhagen Business School, Rockwool Foundation

Language: English

Topic: Urban, Neighborhood, and Segregation Studies

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Sustainable cities and communities, Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,638