Human capital investments in elementary, secondary, vocational-technical, junior college and other post high school education are essential. Median income, per capita income, percent of working age population in the labor force, residential relocation and percent of recently built dwelling units are statistically significant. Research of this nature contributes to economic development and social science disciplines. Findings and interpretations have real-world relevance and outreach prospects. Analyses of national health care cost data reveal the following.
Technology is a contributor to increased health care costs.
Expenditures for all equipment and supply items consistently increase faster than total costs. The number of physicians has been increasing faster than the general population and total patient loads. Health insurance costs have increased at rates greater than both inflation and aggregate health care costs. Although quality of health care is better in metropolitan areas than nonmetropolitan, costs are substantially higher in the former. Age is the chief population composition variable.