Boomtowns: Local Shocks and Inequality in 1920s California

• DOI: 10.1257/pandp.20221080
• Publication Date: 2022-05-24T12:39:16Z
• Authors: Sarah Quincy; Rowena Gray
• Keywords: Property value; land values

As the United States economy grew in 1920s, both wealth and income inequality rose as well. California land values were especially volatile a variety of shocks buffeted state. This paper summarizes how these local booms affected housing by linking archival data on city property to full count 1930 census. I first characterize relationship between type shock during 1920s. Then relate real estate market swings occupational distribution within across cities 1930.