The Spatial Mismatch Hypothesis: Some New Evidence

Abstract

This paper uses commuting times and distance data from the Nationwide Personal Transportation Studies of 1977 to 1983-4 to re-evaluate the spatial mismatch hypothesis. Neither minorities nor low-income workers have longer commutes. In fact, their commuting patterns are very similar to those of workers in general. This also implies that minorities are not constrained by income or housing to live closer to work. However, women consistently have shorter worktrips. The spatial mismatch hypothesis receives no support from examination of commuting data.