In economic base analysis, what does a ratio of exactly 1 indicate?

Prepare for the AICP Functional Areas of Planning Test. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations. Ace your exam!

Multiple Choice

In economic base analysis, what does a ratio of exactly 1 indicate?

Explanation:
In economic base analysis, you separate basic (export-oriented) activities from non-basic (local-serving) activities. The ratio compares the size of the basic sector to the non-basic sector. A value of exactly one indicates balance: export activity exactly supports local demand, so the economy is neither import-reliant nor export-driven—it's in equilibrium between external and internal demand. If the ratio were greater than one, the region would be leaning toward exporting more than it consumes locally, signaling a growing export base; if less than one, non-basic, locally-serving activity dominates and the region would be importing more to meet local demand.

In economic base analysis, you separate basic (export-oriented) activities from non-basic (local-serving) activities. The ratio compares the size of the basic sector to the non-basic sector. A value of exactly one indicates balance: export activity exactly supports local demand, so the economy is neither import-reliant nor export-driven—it's in equilibrium between external and internal demand. If the ratio were greater than one, the region would be leaning toward exporting more than it consumes locally, signaling a growing export base; if less than one, non-basic, locally-serving activity dominates and the region would be importing more to meet local demand.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Passetra

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy