Income Disparity Among Asian Ethnic Groups

An analysis of census data reveals that a wide economic gulf exists between 'city-dwelling Asian ethnic groups and their suburban counterparts.'

1 minute read

September 14, 2003, 11:00 AM PDT

By Connie Chung


An analysis of recently released census data reveals an intricate portrait of the Chicago area's Asian community, "one that in some ways defies stereotypes. The analysis shows that a wide economic gulf exists between many city-dwelling Asian ethnic groups and their suburban counterparts--a gulf larger than is found inside any other racial group. The disparity in median household incomes between city and suburban residents of Asian descent was vast--almost $30,000 per household....Perhaps the biggest barrier to economic vitality is not speaking English, the data revealed. Ethnic Asian groups with a large percentage of members not fluent in English (Koreans, Vietnamese, Chinese) had higher poverty rates and lower incomes than ethnic groups with high percentages of English speakers (Indians, Filipinos). Indeed, nearly one-third of Koreans in the city were living in poverty, a rate higher than that for blacks or Latinos."

Thanks to Connie Chung

Friday, September 12, 2003 in The Chicago Tribune

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 23, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Ken Jennings stands in front of Snohomish County Community Transit bus.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series

The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

April 20, 2025 - Streetsblog USA

Yellow electric school bus with preteen students exiting.

California Invests Additional $5M in Electric School Buses

The state wants to electrify all of its school bus fleets by 2035.

April 25 - Associated Press

City Hall building in Austin, Texas.

Austin Launches $2M Homelessness Prevention Fund

A new grant program from the city’s Homeless Strategy Office will fund rental assistance and supportive services.

April 25 - Spectrum Local News

Brick school building with mid-sized tree on front lawn.

Alabama School Forestry Initiative Brings Trees to Schoolyards

Trees can improve physical and mental health for students and commnity members.

April 25 - Governing