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The Spatial Distribution of the Homeownership Racial Gap

Author

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  • Paul Carrillo

  • Rujia Li

Abstract

The racial homeownership gap, defined as the difference in homeownership rates between White and minority households, exhibits substantial spatial variation across metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs), across Public Use Microdata Areas (PUMAs), and even across census tracts within urban areas. These spatial patterns have also changed substantially between 1990 and 2019. Using PUMAs as the unit of analysis, we apply a semiparametric reweighting approach that jointly models location and housing-tenure choices. We decompose local gaps into a component attributable to differences in observed household characteristics, including education and income, and a residual component. Observed characteristics explain a substantial share of average gaps, but the residual varies markedly across locations. This residual is strongly correlated with local racial composition: areas with larger Black and Hispanic population shares tend to exhibit narrower racial homeownership gaps.

Suggested Citation

  • Paul Carrillo & Rujia Li, 2026. "The Spatial Distribution of the Homeownership Racial Gap," Working Papers 2026-013, The George Washington University, The Center for Economic Research.
    • Handle: RePEc:gwc:wpaper:2026-013
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    JEL classification:

    • C13 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Estimation: General
    • R23 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Household Analysis - - - Regional Migration; Regional Labor Markets; Population
    • R30 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Real Estate Markets, Spatial Production Analysis, and Firm Location - - - General

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