An Exploration of Racial Residential Segregation Trends in Atlanta: 1970-2020

David L. Sjoquist () and Lakshmi Pandey ()
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David L. Sjoquist: Center for State and Local Finance, Andrew Young School of Policy Studies, Georgia State University
Lakshmi Pandey: Center for State and Local Finance, Andrew Young School of Policy Studies, Georgia State University

Center for State and Local Finance Working Paper Series from Andrew Young School of Policy Studies, Georgia State University

Abstract: This study analyzes two key demographic shifts in Atlanta's 10-county region (1940-2020): significant population growth and changing racial composition, alongside evolving racial residential segregation (1970-2020). The region's population grew 7.6-fold, driven by a near 11-fold increase in the Black population compared to a 4-fold white increase. Geographically, Black growth peaked ~25 km from the CBD, while white growth concentrated farther out. Initially extreme in 1970, segregation substantially decreased by 2020, attributed primarily to post-Fair Housing Act Black dispersal from high-density areas, countering theories that segregation stems mainly from Black residential preferences or racial income disparities. While significant "white flight" occurred pre-2000, it diminished markedly thereafter, with recent increases in white residents within historically Black-majority tracts signaling changing dynamics. However, segregation remains high, particularly in core counties, compounded by an overall regional white population decline in the past decade.

Pages: 77 pages
Date: 2022-04
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:ays:cslfwp:cslf2201

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