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Neighborhood Change in the Washington Metropolitan Area

Patterns of Inclusive Growth, Concentration of Poverty, and Displacement (2000–2019)

Using public U.S. Decennial Census and American Community Survey data, Montgomery Planning has investigated neighborhood change across Montgomery County and the Washington, DC, metropolitan region in support of more equitable and data-driven decision making. In examining how shares of low-income versus middle-high income households in neighborhoods changed from 2000 to 2019, Montgomery Planning found that—contrary to popular perception—concentration of low-income households is a more prevalent issue in Montgomery County than displacement and that low-income concentration disproportionately burdens Black and Latino households. The research also shows that neighborhoods can grow inclusively—that is, without displacing low-income residents—if enough housing is added.

Last Updated: September 8, 2022