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Spatial dependence in the rank-size distribution of cities – weak but not negligible

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  • Rolf Bergs

Abstract

Power law distributions characterise several natural and social phenomena. Zipf’s law for cities is one of those. The study views the question of whether that global regularity is independent of different spatial distributions of cities. For that purpose, a typical Zipfian rank-size distribution of cities is generated with random numbers. This distribution is then cast into two different settings of spatial coordinates. For the estimation, the variables rank and size are supplemented by considerations of spatial dependence within a spatial econometric approach. Results suggest that distance potentially matters. This finding is further corroborated by four country analyses even though estimates reveal only modest effects.

Suggested Citation

  • Rolf Bergs, 2021. "Spatial dependence in the rank-size distribution of cities – weak but not negligible," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 16(2), pages 1-16, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0246796
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0246796
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Muolo, Alessandro & Konaxis, Ioannis & Salvati, Luca, 2025. "Applying Zipf’s law to land-use classes in a tourism-specialized metropolitan context," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 155(C).

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