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

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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)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • David L. Sjoquist & Lakshmi Pandey, 2022. "An Exploration of Racial Residential Segregation Trends in Atlanta: 1970-2020," Center for State and Local Finance Working Paper Series cslf2201, Andrew Young School of Policy Studies, Georgia State University.
    • Handle: RePEc:ays:cslfwp:cslf2201
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    File URL: https://cslf.gsu.edu/files/2022/04/cslf2201-4.pdf
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