Research Report Explaining the Black-White Homeownership Gap: A Closer Look at Disparities across Local Markets
Jung Hyun Choi, Alanna McCargo, Michael Neal, Laurie Goodman, Caitlin Young
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The gap in the homeownership rate between black and white households is the highest it has been in 50 years. This report examines key variables that explain the black-white homeownership gap and estimates the role that income, education, credit score, and marital status play both nationally and locally in 105 MSAs with large black populations. The researchers determine that roughly 17 percent of the homeownership gap remains unexplained by observed variables and could be caused by differences in parental wealth, information networks or the vestiges of policies and structures that have made it difficult for black households to obtain and benefit from homeownership. The researchers also recommend specific policy actions for officials across federal, state, and local government as well as institutional policy changes.

Research Areas Wealth and financial well-being Neighborhoods, cities, and metros Race and equity Housing finance Housing
Tags Racial homeownership gap Federal housing programs and policies Asset and debts Racial and ethnic disparities Housing and the economy Single-family finance Credit availability Homeownership Financial products and services Inequality and mobility Finance
Policy Centers Housing Finance Policy Center