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Racial segregation, transportation, and unemployment rates in the United States

Author

Listed:
  • Li, Shengxiao (Alex)
  • Patti, Richard
  • Xiong, Yuxi

Abstract

This study explores the complex relationships among metropolitan- and neighborhood-level racial segregation, transportation, and tract-level employment outcomes using data from over 28,000 census tracts in 95 Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) in the United States. Results from a series of multilevel models indicate that the availability of private (but not public) transportation is positively related to employment rate at the census-tract level. We also find census tracts with higher shares of Hispanics and African Americans have higher unemployment rates, but MSA-level racial segregation is not significantly related to tract-level unemployment. We also determine that there is no moderating effect of MSA-level racial segregation on the relationship between transportation and employment outcomes. Findings reveal the critical role of automobiles in connecting employees to jobs. They further highlight that a reduction in racial segregation at the neighborhood level might benefit employment outcomes at the census tract level.

Suggested Citation

  • Li, Shengxiao (Alex) & Patti, Richard & Xiong, Yuxi, 2026. "Racial segregation, transportation, and unemployment rates in the United States," Transport Policy, Elsevier, vol. 176(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:trapol:v:176:y:2026:i:c:s0967070x25004639
    DOI: 10.1016/j.tranpol.2025.103920
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