DALLAS (WBAP/KLIF News) – New research shows that Dallas County is geographically separated by race and ethnicity.
According to the data, there’s a significant gap in the county’s black and Hispanic residents in terms of income, educational achievement and access to health insurance even the area is experiencing a population boom.
The research shows that where a person lives influences their access to education and jobs.
Francis Deviney is with the Center for Public Policy Priorities and said it’s up to the community to reverse the trend.
“Our elected officials need our support. So, what we need to look at is start first at home and start first in your own businesses and say ‘Do I actually pay people of other races and ethnicities who are doing the same job the same amount?’ she said.
The research shows that when an area is more diverse, the people experience better outcomes.
It’s information that could prove useful to the county, as it’s expected to see an increase in close to 800,000 people over the next 35 years.
The data shows that the median house hold income in the county is declining rapidly and that home prices are going up.
Deviney said there were bright spots in the study.
“We’ve actually seen a significant decline in the uninsured rate. We’ve also seen a decline in both violent crimes and in property which means that communities are actually safer and hopefully, people actually feel safer,” she said.
Deviney said she hopes the research sheds light on an unspoken trend in the county.
“We want this data to highlight is that there are areas of the county that really deserve extra attention and extra support,” she said.
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