A new study has reaffirmed Metro Atlanta’s high level of economic inequality
Atlanta is the most unequal city in the country, according to new research from the U.S. Census Bureau.
Utilizing the Gini coefficient – an economic index that measures the distribution of money in a specific area – the Census Bureau found that Atlanta was No. 1, beating out such areas as New Orleans, Miami and New York. Here is the complete top 10, along with the cities’ corresponding Gini coefficient:
- Atlanta, Georgia (0.583)
- Miami, Florida (0.555)
- New Orleans, Louisiana (0.553)
- Cincinnati, Ohio (0.546)
- Providence, Rhode Island (0.541)
- New York, New York (0.540)
- Richmond, Virginia (0.539)
- Fort Lauderdale, Florida (0.539)
- Berkeley, California (0.536)
- Dallas, Texas (0.535)
The closer a Gini coefficient is to 1.0, the more unequal an area is. A rating of “0” means that an area is perfectly equal, whereas a “1.o” rating means that wealth is concentrated with one individual. Inequality, as we have covered in the past, poses considerable problems for housing, as a more unequal distribution of resources means that fewer and fewer Americans are able to afford purchasing their own home.
Irresponsible use of the base formula as does not take into consideration any variants , particular demographic distribution or geography (ie: high tech vs agriculture) . The Metro Area is one of the fastest growing areas in the country because the region is more affordable to lower income households.