区位，区位，还是区位

中文摘要

我们利用雇主—雇员匹配数据，研究区位对美国劳动者收入的因果效应。我们估计了一个包含雇主效应和雇员效应的模型，再将结果汇总至通勤区（CZ）层面。企业间的排序会使传统的“迁移者”设计产生偏误；在考虑企业排序后，我们的模型能够准确预测跨通勤区迁移者的收入变化。劳动者技能解释了通勤区之间观测收入差异的一半，可观测特征低估了这一解释程度。产业构成对平均区位效应的解释力很小。平均而言，成本至少会抵消通勤区的收入溢价；迁往工资更高通勤区的劳动者，其实际消费持平或更低。（JEL J24、J31、R23、R32）

Abstract

We use linked employer–employee data to study the causal effects of location on earnings in the United States. We estimate a model with employer and employee effects, then aggregate to the commuting zone (CZ) level. Sorting across firms biases traditional “movers” designs. Our model accurately predicts earnings changes for CZ movers after accounting for firm sorting. Worker skills explain half of observed earnings differences across CZs; observable characteristics understate this. Industry composition explains little of average place effects. Costs at least offset CZ earnings premia on average; workers who move to higher-wage CZs have equal or lower real consumption. (JEL J24, J31, R23, R32)