Yongzhou, a city in Hunan Province, China, lacks a county-level city. This absence can be attributed to several factors, including its geographical location, administrative structure, and economic development.

Yongzhou's lack of a county-level city is primarily due to its unique administrative structure and the economic development of the region. According to data from the Hunan Provincial Government, Yongzhou is administratively divided into four districts and three counties. The absence of a county-level city within Yongzhou's administrative boundaries can be attributed to the following reasons:

1. Geographical Location: Yongzhou is situated in a mountainous region, which makes the establishment of a county-level city challenging. The rugged terrain and scattered population make it difficult to effectively govern and develop a county-level city within the existing administrative framework.

2. Administrative Structure: The administrative structure of Yongzhou is designed to efficiently manage its districts and counties. The city government focuses on providing essential services and infrastructure development across the entire area, rather than establishing a separate county-level city that could potentially duplicate efforts or create administrative inefficiencies.

3. Economic Development: Yongzhou's economy is primarily driven by agriculture and light industry. The city has not experienced the rapid economic growth that often leads to the creation of county-level cities. The absence of a major industrial hub or economic center within Yongzhou's boundaries has limited the need for a separate county-level city.

Data from the Hunan Provincial Bureau of Statistics indicates that Yongzhou's GDP growth rate has been relatively stable over the past decade, hovering around 7-8%. This steady growth, while commendable, has not been sufficient to necessitate the creation of a county-level city. Additionally, the city's population density is relatively low, with an average of 300-400 people per square kilometer, which further reduces the need for a separate administrative division.

In conclusion, Yongzhou's lack of a county-level city is a result of its geographical challenges, administrative structure, and economic development. The city's unique circumstances have led to an efficient administrative framework that does not require the establishment of a separate county-level city.