The Effects of Race and Socioeconomic Status on Residential Segregation in Texas, 1970-80

The extent to which residential segregation results from differences in the socioeconomic status of racial/ethnic groups remains a topic of debate. Although recent studies have argued that improvements in minority groups' socioeconomic status will lead to reduced residential segregation, such analyses have been cross-sectional. This study uses longitudinal data from 27 central cities in Texas to examine the effects of 1970,1980, and 1970–80 changes in socioeconomic status on Black-White, Anglo-Spanish, and Black-Spanish segregation. The findings indicate that socioeconomic factors are not significant determinants of racial/ethnic segregation in these periods. Rather, age of city, population growth, and percent of the population of minority status appear to explain patterns of residential segregation.