Gentrification and Crime in Austin, 1980-1990

Date

2000-07

Authors

Holoubek, Jason

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Abstract

Previous studies examining the gentrification process, the rehabilitation of working class and derelict housing resulting in the transformation of an area into a middle-class neighborhood, have either ignored the crime rate of the area or have investigated fluctuations in the crime rate after the onset of gentrification. Utilizing census block group data for gentrification and census tract-level crime data, this research suggests that a high crime rate hinders gentrification. Several variables, including the age of the housing stock, distance to the central business district, median per capita income, and median housing values allow a determination of gentrification potential in 1980. Those block groups with the potential to gentrify are then examined in 1990 to ascertain if a high rate of criminal activity is closely correlated to reduced gentrifying activity. Results showed neighborhood crime rates to be negatively correlated with gentrification, although the relationship is relatively weak.

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Keywords

gentrification, crime, crime statistics, crime rates

Citation

Holoubek, J. (2000). Gentrification and crime in Austin, 1980-1990 (Unpublished thesis). Southwest Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas.

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