Latest / The Demographics Podcast with Fexingo: Aging Populations, Birth Rates, and Economic Impact
The Hidden Economics of Empty Schools
As birth rates plummet across the developed world, a massive infrastructure problem is emerging that most economists are ignoring: the sudden surplus of educational real estate. This episode explores the economic fallout in South Korea and parts of the American Midwest, where primary schools are closing at record speeds. We look at the specific financial mechanics of repurposing these assets, from converting classrooms into senior living facilities to selling off land for industrial use. The key takeaway is how local governments are struggling to balance shrinking tax bases with fixed debt…
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