Patterns of Puerto Rican Segregation and Mobility

Abstract

In this article patterns of Puerto Rican residential segregation and mobility within metropolitan areas are examined for the period between 1970 and 1980. Using a weighted OLS procedure, this study tests the effects of social status, ethnicity, racial heritage, discrimination, and housing market conditions on patterns of segregation between Puerto Ricans, Anglos, and Blacks. Census data for 49 metropolitan areas with 4,000 or more Puerto Ricans were used in this analysis. The findings suggest there was considerable variation in the level of segregation between Puerto Ricans, Anglos, and Blacks in terms of regional location, size of metropolitan area, and size of the Puerto Rican population. On average, 61% of all Puerto Ricans would have had to move from their place of residence in 1980 to achieve residential integration with Anglos. The average level of segregation between Puerto Ricans and Blacks was only 3% lower (58%). Although segregation between the three groups declined during the 1970s, the sharpest declines occurred in the level of Puerto Rican and Anglo segregation from Blacks, particularly in the suburbs. Further, Puerto Rican mobility within metropolitan areas via suburbanization actually declined during the 1970s. Multivariate analysis revealed that the low socioeconomic status of Puerto Ricans relative to Anglos was the most significant factor affecting the level of segregation between the two groups. High levels of segregation were also associated with older Puerto Rican communities, low levels of suburbanization and decentralization of employment. Puerto Rican segregation from Blacks was associated with residence in older Puerto Rican communities, high levels of housing demand and high vacancy rates.