Of the ten largest U.S. metropolitan areas, Houston is the most racially and ethnically diverse. All four major racial/ethnic groups—Anglo, Latinos, African Americans, and Asians—have substantial representation in the region, with Latinos and Anglos occupying roughly equal shares of the total population and African-Americans and Asians following behind respectively.

Yet, while Houston is the most diverse metropolitan area in the country, it is also one of the most economically segregated. According to Pew Research Center’s Residential Income Segregation Index (RISI), Houston is the most income-segregated of the ten largest U.S. metropolitan areas, with the greatest percentage of rich people living among the rich and the third greatest percentage of poor people among the poor. These statistics call attention to the fact that increasing diversity does not entail increasing inclusion, much less economic equality.

This report evaluates economic disparity in Houston in the context of racial/ethnic segregation, its causes, and its consequences. It subsequently assesses Houston’s current political climate and the policies in place used to combat income inequality. Finally, it discusses the city’s future economic prospects, offering additional proposals that may help bridge the income gap in this increasingly diverse but highly segregated metropolitan area.

Houston Economic Inequality (Project 1)

Project 1- Economic Inequality in Houston

Maps:

Google Map of Houston

Interactive Map (Income Inequality, Racial/Ethnic and Geographic Segregation in Houston)