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Geographic Segmentation: The research employs a comprehensive categorization of US counties developed by McKinsey Global Institute (MGI) in 2019. This categorization divides the country into 13 community archetypes based on factors like economic health, labor markets, industry mix, innovation, and socioeconomic conditions. This segmentation allows for a broad analysis covering urban, suburban, and rural areas.
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Data and Metrics: To evaluate the equity and outcomes for Black residents, the study utilizes 25 metrics, each falling under aspirational categories such as standard of living, financial stability, job opportunities, long healthy lives, skill development, stable homes, connectivity, and stable communities. These metrics are sourced primarily from the US Census Bureau's American Community Survey five-year estimates, along with additional data from the Economic Policy Institute, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and the Vera Institute.
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Methodology: The calculation of Black outcome scores involves analyzing the 25 metrics for each county. Parity scores are determined by comparing the outcomes of Black residents to those of White residents. This approach helps in identifying disparities in various aspects of life across different communities.
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Benefits and Limitations: The segmentation provides insights into the types of communities where outcomes for Black residents are either better or worse. However, it does not account for variations within each community type or differences across neighborhoods, highlighting the need for further detailed analysis.
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Data Sources and Years: Most metrics are derived from the American Community Survey data from 2012 to 2021, while specific metrics like life expectancy use data from 2021 and jail incarceration rates from 2012. The choice of years reflects the balance between obtaining recent data and ensuring comparable datasets for analysis.
This study underscores the importance of location in understanding racial equity and outcomes for Black residents, providing a nuanced view of the socio-economic landscape across diverse communities in the United States.
