Differences in neighborhood qualities among racial and ethnic groups in Canada

Abstract

This paper examines the neighborhood qualities of major ethnic groups in Canada. Using data drawn from the 1991 census 2B file and special tabulations requested from the Statistics Canada, we found that the British, northern Europeans, and western Europeans live in neighborhoods with desirable social qualities without paying higher cos.ts, even after controlling for socioeconomic status, immigration period, and generations. On the other hand, we also found that southern Europeans, Asians, and Blacks live in neighborhoods with less desirable social qualities, despite paying expensive housing costs. In particular, most neighborhood qualities of Blacks are consistently seen as least desirable.