The relationship between ownership patterns and socioeconomic conditions in Appalachian communities

The purpose of this study was to determine if a relationship exists between ownership patterns and socioeconomic conditions in Appalachian communities. A Proposed Model of the relationship between land and resource ownership patterns and socioeconomic conditions was developed and tested.

The study determined that land and resource ownership patterns influence socioeconomic conditions in the counties studied. Specifically, high concentrations and absentee ownership of land and resources were found to be associated with a low tax base, low levels of economic diversity, and a low amount of land available for development. These characteristics, in turn, were found to be associated with other factors that directly influence socioeconomic conditions.