The Sunbelt region after World War ll saw a large expanse in population. This region saw
a 112.3% increase in population from 1940-1980 alone (Bowman). Its climate and economy has
been attracting people for years. While the northeast or the “frost belt” population was
shrinking in size the sunbelt region was booming, The population in the sunbelt states have
outpaced the other regions in the United states exceedingly. Now home to about 50% of the
country’s population, the region was accountable for almost 75% of the population growth in
the United States (Glaeser).
The sunbelt does a good job of ensuring that their policies and services reflect their population
needs. For example, the smaller regions ensure that their tax policies reflect their demographic.
The taxes tend to be lower to prove the opportunity for small business growth. This increases
revenue not only for the business but for the locality as a whole. Generally, these small towns
are close knit, and everyone knows everyone. The culture present in these localities is unique to
their smaller regions. They reflect the rich history not only of the location itself but the
generational history of its people as well. There is a mutual respect between the local
government and its people. This generally results in a high regard for these local governments
and a subsequent high approval rate. The services important to people in these localities are
not going to be the same as the services important in big metropolitan areas such as New York.
For example, education in the smaller regions reflects the smaller population. The intimate class
sizes result in high success.
The biggest growth in the sunbelt can be seen in the states: Florida, Texas, Utah, and Colorado.
These states all have different draws to them such as Texas and Florida being well known for
having lower taxes, most notably a lack of state income tax, and little state and local
government regulations. This allows for small and big businesses to relocate there with the
hope to grow and operate with little trouble. The business growth then creates job
opportunities which again increases population. Similarly, Colorado and Utah can see a large
population boom mainly credited to not only the job opportunities that are reflected in Florida
and Texas but also their own unique climate and geography. Utah and Colorado have an
abundance of mountains and national parks that draw people who favor a more active and
adventurous lifestyle.
It is not out of the realm of possibility for regions in the frost belt such as New England to
modify their policies to reflect hose in the sunbelt. Reduced tax rates for businesses and the
individual, improved government allocation of tax dollars, and simply catering to the citizens
would have similar effects. For example, reducing the. Homeless population could implement
growth in the more metropolitan, urban areas. This policy can go hand in hand with finding
solutions to violent crime and drug related offenses. The economy is not the only reason people
move to an area, having a safe place to live is equally important to a good job.
Bowman, A. O. and Kearney, R. C. (2022). State and Local Government. Cengage.
Glaeser, E. Tobio, K. (2007). The Rise of the Sunbelt. Harvard University, Kennedy
School of Government.
