Recent Suburbanization of Blacks How Much,Who, and Where

According to national survey data, blacks have become net migrants from central cities since 1970. Although this reversal of a long-established trend is generally welcomed, critics fear it may be resulting from displacement rather than preference.

Using Census and Annual Housing Survey data on intrametropolitan migration over three time periods, this paper examines the implications of trend reversal for black suburbanization in nineteen of the nation's largest metropolitan areas (SMSAs). Although black net outmigration from cities is generally observed, in only seven of the SMSAs do black rates of movement from city to suburb yet approach those of whites. In most of the other twelve SMSAs, black rates of outmovement have increased little since 1970 and remain well below white rates. Blacks who are above average in income and education consistently have higher rates of outmovement, suggesting that suburban movement still reflects choice more than displacement.