location quotient

  a statistical measure of concentration. The quotient indicates the geographical concentration of a particular activity in a particular region as a function of the expected concentration based on national average. The formula can be presented as:

  LQ=%total workforce in region A working in industry X

  %total national workforce working in industry X

  so if an area has 15% of its workforce in agriculture when only 5% of the national workforce is employed in agriculture, the LQ=15/5=3.

  LQ>1 indicates over-representation, or a concentration of that industry.

  LQ=1 indicates expected concentration based on national average.

  LQ<1 indicates under-representation, or a lack of that industry.