Researchers Build Model for Predicting Gentrification

A team of researchers in London believes it can predict future gentrification. The model is built on evidence of social diversity, which is often thought of as a positive outcome.

1 minute read

April 25, 2016, 11:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Gentrification Mural

Samuel Mann / Flickr

According to an article by Nathan Collins, data scientists from the University of Cambridge think they're found a way to predict gentrification, using data collected on Twitter and Foursquare. According to the model, the most likely places to gentrify attract the most socially diverse crowds.

The article details the process of building the data archive that informed the model, especially with regard to attention paid the differences between geographic networks and social networks.

Another important metric contributing to the research: the United Kingdom's Index of Multiple Deprivation, which, according to Collins, "takes into account income, education, environmental factors such as air quality, and more to quantify the socioeconomic state of affairs in localities across the U.K., including each of London’s 32 boroughs." Collins explains in more detail how that data keyed into the research findings on how social diversity predicts gentrification.

Tuesday, April 12, 2016 in Pacific Standard

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

Use Code 25for25 at checkout for 25% off an annual plan!

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.

May 14, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Front of Walmart store with sign.

Walmart Announces Nationwide EV Charging Network

The company plans to install electric car chargers at most of its stores by 2030.

May 7, 2025 - Inc.

Aerial view of Chicago with river in foreground.

Chicago Approves Green Affordable Housing Plan

The Mayor’s plan calls for creating a nonprofit housing corporation tasked with building affordable housing that meets Green Building standards.

May 8, 2025 - CBS News Chicago

Close-up on e-scooters parked in painted designated parking area on city street.

E-Scooter Parking: A Guide

How smart planning — and ample designated parking — can end conflicts over shared scooters.

7 hours ago - Streetsblog USA

Aerial view of Bozeman, Montana with mountains in background.

‘It’s Been 50 years’: Public Transit Law Passes in Montana

Legislation would fix transportation district issue, allow for greater reach on city bus routes.

May 14 - Daily Montanan

Illustration of nighttime city with white lines connecting nodes to illustrate technology and connectivity

Top 10 Tech-Ready Cities

An index ranks U.S. cities based on their preparedness for the ‘smart city future.’

May 14 - Smart Cities Dive