How Much Were Minority Neighborhoods in the United States Affected During COVID-19 in the Aspect of Business Closure Rates? Evidence From Six Metropolitan Areas

This study evaluates business closure rates in minority neighborhoods within a metropolitan area and extends this analysis across six U.S. metropolitan areas during the COVID-19 pandemic. Utilizing business and demographic data at the census-tract level, the authors develop a comparative research strategy to explore variations in closure rates among racially diverse neighborhoods. This analysis employs both global and local models to examine spatial interactions among variables associated with business closure rates. The authors use ordinary least squares multivariate regression to identify broad patterns at the metropolitan level and geographically weighted regression to assess local variations and interactions within specific spatial units. The findings reveal diverse dynamics between racial composition and economic outcomes, highlighting uneven closure rates across the metropolitan areas. This study enhances our understanding of the economic impacts on urban neighborhoods during the COVID-19 pandemic by providing detailed comparison analysis and spatial analysis, offering valuable insights for economic development and policy making.