Racial/Ethnic Composition and Segregation

From this page you can download the data for the total population that were used to prepare these web pages. You can download the full dataset, or you can choose a subset of that file.

The 2005-2009 segregation data are based on pooled samples from the American Community Survey at the tract level. These should be treated as preliminary results. Be aware that even with five years of sample data, the results for some places (especially for smaller places and smaller groups) may be skewed by measurement error. When results from Census 2010 become available in spring 2011 they should replace the data being provided now.

There are something to keep in mind when using this data:

  • The files contain a single row of column headers followed by rows of data for each metropolitan area. The column headers are not very descriptive, so click here for a list of variable descriptions.

Download data for metropolitan areas

Option 1 - Download the full file
The full file contains information for all metropolitan areas for 1980,1990,2000 and 2005-09 ACS, including racial and ethnic population totals, dissimilarity indices, and exposure indices. It contains values for the total metropolitan area, as well as its central city and suburban portions separately.

To download the complete data set as SPSS file click here.

Option 2 - Download a subset of the full file
You may now download subsets of the full data file using the form below. You may select the specific year, geographic area, and indices that you want. Racial composition data are included in every file.

Select the year(s): 1980
 1990
 2000
 2005-09 ACS
 2010
 1980,1990,2000,2005-09 ACS & 2010

Select the indices:
(Racial composition is always provided.)
Dissimilarity indices
 Exposure and isolation indices


Download segregation data for cities

Option 1 - Download the full file
The full file contains information for specific cities for 1980, 1990, 2000 and 2005-09 ACS, including racial and ethnic population totals, dissimilarity indices, and exposure indices.

To download the complete data set as SPSS file click here.

Option 2 - Download a subset of the full file
You may now download subsets of the full data file using the form below. You may select the specific year and indices that you want. Racial composition data are included in every file.

Select the year(s): 1980
 1990
 2000
 2005-09 ACS
 2010
 1980,1990, 2000,2005-09 ACS & 2010

Select the indices:
(Racial composition is always provided.)
Dissimilarity indices
 Exposure and isolation indices


© Spatial Structures in Social Sciences, Brown University