Housing Price Inequalities

Abstract

This article analyzes data from the Annual Housing Survey on the black and Spanish-origin populations in a sample of U.S. standard metropolitan statistical areas to determine whether these minorities pay more than Anglos for comparable housing. These data demonstrate that both the black and Spanish-origin populations as a whole pay more than Anglos for the same quality housing in the rental market while no group pays significantly more than Anglos in the owners' market. Separate analyses of Puerto Ricans, Cubans, and Mexican Americans highlight some differences among the minority groups. Most important is the finding that Cubans are equally or less likely than Anglos to obtain low-quality housing at most levels of rent.