WEALTH
As unemployment was consistently low across these cities, and median incomes varied widely - indicators were selected to demonstrate how wealth is distributed among these communities, identify areas of high inequity, and assess the prosperity - or opportunity to achieve prosperity - within these communities.
General Trends
Income inequality has been at historic highs in the US for over a decade - so it is not surprising to find wide disparities in this category. What should be noted, however, is the wide range of inequity - and that some cities are vastly more inequitable in their wealth distribution than others.
For example, Oxnard, Beaverton, Boulder, and Ann Arbor all rank as having very low income inequality, but higher-than-average racial income disparity, indicating that these cities are generally wealthy, but that non-white workers are concentrated into low-paying jobs.
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Averages
Nampa, Lowell, and Ann Arbor have both lower-than-average income inequality and racial income disparity - however these cities also have smaller non-white populations than those with higher disparity, which may account for this. Lowell, MA, however, has lower income inequality than Nampa, ID despite having nearly double the ratio of non-white residents which suggests Lowell may be a more equitable place for non-white residents than Nampa.
SELECT FINDINGS
Lowell, MA
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Lowell has experienced a significant amount of economic growth and development in recent years. However, the city also has high levels of income inequality, with some neighborhoods experiencing much higher levels of poverty than others. The city has implemented a number of programs to address these issues, including the Lowell Plan, which focuses on economic development and job creation, and the Lowell Community Health Center, which provides healthcare services to underserved populations. Lowell also has the lowest cost of living among the 25 cities.
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Nampa, ID
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Nampa has also experienced rapid growth in recent years, thanks in part to its proximity to Boise. Nampa has the highest homeownership rates among the 25 cities, and the smallest non-white population at 21%. The city also has lower-than-average levels of income inequality, with some neighborhoods experiencing higher levels of poverty than others. The city has implemented a number of programs to address these issues, including the Nampa Community Outreach Program, which provides assistance to low-income families, and the Nampa Neighborhood Stabilization Program, which works to revitalize distressed neighborhoods.
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Little Rock, AR
Little Rock has the distinction of having lower-than-average income inequality, yet the highest racial income disparity of the 25 cities. Non-white residents of Little Rock can expect to make an average of 58% less than their white counterparts.
The city has implemented a number of programs to address income inequality generally, including the Little Rock Empowerment Zone, which focuses on economic development and job creation, and the Little Rock Promise Neighborhood, which works to improve educational outcomes for low-income children - but more needs to be done to correct racial income inequities.
Abilene, TX​
Abilene has a relatively low cost of living compared to other cities in Texas. Abilene has an average level of income inequality, but has the third highest racial income disparity, with non-white residents making 52% less on average than their white counterparts. The city has implemented a number of programs to address inequalities, including the Abilene Community Foundation, which provides grants to nonprofit organizations working to improve the community, and the Abilene Neighborhood Services Program, which works to revitalize distressed neighborhoods.
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Las Cruces, ​NM
Las Cruces has a diverse economy, thanks in part to its proximity to the Mexican border. The city has high levels of income inequality and the highest cost of living among the 25 cities - yes has the third-fewest number of households living in poverty. This suggests that most jobs pay approximately around the median wage for the area, with a few wealthy outliers increasing the income inequality score. The city has implemented a number of programs to address economic disparity issues, including the Las Cruces Community Development Department, which works to promote economic development and job creation, and the Las Cruces Affordable Housing Program, which provides assistance to low-income families looking to purchase or rent a home.
PROMISING PRACTICES
A selection of ideas to inspire change. Download the report for a full list of recommendations and promising practices
Rochester Race, Equity, and Leadership (REAL) Initiative​
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In 2020, Rochester established the Race, Equity, and Leadership (REAL) Initiative, which works to promote racial equity and inclusion in the city. The initiative includes a number of programs and policies aimed at addressing racial disparities in areas such as education, housing, and economic development.
Buy Providence/Eat Providence​
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In 2017, Providence launched the Buy Providence/Eat Providence initiative, which aims to promote local businesses and increase access to healthy, affordable food in underserved communities. The program has also prioritized working with businesses owned by people of color.
Asheville Community Reparations Commission​
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In 2020, Asheville became the first city in the country to approve a resolution calling for reparations to its Black residents. The resolution acknowledges the city's history of systemic racism and calls for the creation of policies and programs to address the racial wealth gap. To administer this effort, the city created the Community Reparations Commission. The Reparations Commission is empowered to make short, medium, and long-term recommendations that will make significant progress toward repairing the damage caused by public and private systemic racism.
