<p>It depends on the focus of the research and the type of model(s) applied.  </p>

<p>A study of a particular good or industry at county level would be <strong>micro</strong>. This might include consideration of, for example, demand and supply of a good, the degree of competition in an industry, and the effect of a tax or subsidy on production or sale of a good.  </p>

<p>A study of the overall level of economic activity in a county would be <strong>macro</strong>.  This might include consideration of, for example, consumption and saving out of income by residents of the county, investment and public expenditure within the county, "exports" to and "imports" from neighbouring counties and beyond, and the effects of all of these on the county's overall economic activity.</p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2018-06-04T18:59:46.590Z
Ah! This is such an excellent answer that it has made me happy I've even asked this question here. This is econ stackexchange gold! Thanks!
user152810
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2018-06-04T19:06:31.943Z
According to this definition of macro, this is EXACTLY my approach and what i want to do with my reserach! Thanks, @Adam Bailey!
user152810
CC BY-SA 4.0
2018-06-03T18:53:37.320Z
2018-06-03T18:53:37.320Z
Adam Bailey
<p>I would consider county-level research macroeconomics.</p>

<p>Microeconomics focuses on individuals and firms acting as decision makers. I think, looking at county-level aggregates, you are too high level to look at decision makers.</p>

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2018-05-29T22:54:50.527Z
2018-05-29T22:54:50.527Z
Jamzy
<p>Is research at the county-level considered applied micro or applied micro? </p>

<p>The standard undergrad definitions (<strong>"micro" = "individual"</strong>, <strong>"macro" = "nation"</strong>) are of no help with units of measurement that lie in between.</p>

<p>Any help is appreciated.</p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2018-05-30T00:08:34.833Z
I think it's miacro.
user526463
<macroeconomics><microeconomics><applied-econometrics><urban-economics>
Research at the county-level: Macro or Micro?
user152810
# Research at the county-level: Macro or Micro?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2018-05-29)

Is research at the county-level considered applied micro or applied micro?

The standard undergrad definitions (**"micro" = "individual"**, **"macro" = "nation"**) are of no help with units of measurement that lie in between.

Any help is appreciated.

**Tags:** macroeconomics, microeconomics, applied-econometrics, urban-economics

> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: I think it's miacro.  

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## 2 answers

### Answer by username_2 on 2018-06-03. Score: 2 | Accepted answer

It depends on the focus of the research and the type of model(s) applied.

A study of a particular good or industry at county level would be **micro**. This might include consideration of, for example, demand and supply of a good, the degree of competition in an industry, and the effect of a tax or subsidy on production or sale of a good.

A study of the overall level of economic activity in a county would be **macro**. This might include consideration of, for example, consumption and saving out of income by residents of the county, investment and public expenditure within the county, "exports" to and "imports" from neighbouring counties and beyond, and the effects of all of these on the county's overall economic activity.

> **Comments:**
> **username_0**: Ah! This is such an excellent answer that it has made me happy I've even asked this question here. This is econ stackexchange gold! Thanks!  
> **username_0**: According to this definition of macro, this is EXACTLY my approach and what i want to do with my reserach! Thanks, @username_2!  

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### Answer by username_3 on 2018-05-29. Score: 3

I would consider county-level research macroeconomics.

Microeconomics focuses on individuals and firms acting as decision makers. I think, looking at county-level aggregates, you are too high level to look at decision makers.


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