Diverse on Paper, Segregated in Reality

Many places are statistically diverse, but their inhabits can be worlds apart. A local perspective (and finer data) is needed to fully appreciate how different races and classes inhabit a neighborhood.

1 minute read

June 22, 2015, 12:00 PM PDT

By Philip Rojc @PhilipRojc


Dot Map LA

melnikas1 / Flickr

While the 98118 zip code near Seattle gained some fame in 2010 for its statistical diversity, University of Washington researchers Ryan Gabriel and Tim Thomas weren't so sure. They decided to take a closer look. Said Gabriel, "'It's a highly-diverse city in some ways, but as you kind of walk the city, you experience a real sense of separation between racial groups and class levels as well.'"

There can be cultural and economic gulfs between communities only minutes apart. From the article: "In Columbia City, for example, the researchers found the west side of the tract had lots of immigrant markets and fast food restaurants. On the predominantly white side of the tract near the bay were five-star restaurants serving $60 entrees."

In that example, even a physical barrier separated white from black, rich from poor. "A steep north-south ridge that can't be crossed by foot divides the tract. More than 78 percent of black residents life on the west side of the ridge, where most homes are run down and few new homes exist [...]"

The researchers found similar results in cities across the United States. The racial dot map, a version of which appears in the article, is an invaluable tool to appreciate finer degrees of segregation. The map uses 2010 census data and includes Hawaii and Alaska. 

Thursday, June 11, 2015 in Rice Kinder Institute for Urban Research

View form second story inside Southdale Mall in Edina, Minnesota with escalators and model cars parked on downstairs floor.

The Mall Is Dead — Long Live the Mall

The American shopping mall may be closer to its original vision than ever.

March 21, 2024 - Governing

View of Austin, Texas skyline with river in foreground during morning golden hour.

The Paradox of American Housing

How the tension between housing as an asset and as an essential good keeps the supply inadequate and costs high.

March 26, 2024 - The Atlantic

Houston, Texas skyline.

Report: Las Vegas, Houston Top List of Least Affordable Cities

The report assesses the availability of affordable rental units for low-income households.

March 22, 2024 - Urban Edge

Aerial view of Anchorage, Alaska downtown with mountains in background at golden hour.

Anchorage Leaders Debate Zoning Reform Plan

Last year, the city produced the fewest new housing units in a decade.

6 hours ago - Anchorage Daily News

Young man in wheelchair crossing zebra crosswalk.

How to Protect Pedestrians With Disabilities

Public agencies don’t track traffic deaths and injuries involving disabled people, leaving a gap in data to guide safety interventions.

7 hours ago - Governing

Aerial view of mountain town of Steamboat Springs, Colorado in the winter with snow at dusk.

Colorado Town Fills Workforce Housing Need With ‘Dorm-Style’ Housing

Median rent in Steamboat Springs is $4,000 per month.

March 28 - CBS News

News from HUD User

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Call for Speakers

Mpact Transit + Community

New Updates on PD&R Edge

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.