Using the data provided for California Counties, calculate the change in Population and Median Home Values between 1990 and 2000.
 

• Compare the maps of change. What is your hypothesis concerning the relationship between population growth (or decline) and proportional change in Home Values?
• Test this hypothesis using Excel ( Chart option to fit a regression line to the scattergram. )  Is there a strong relationship between the two variables?
• Summarize your findings.

The data for Topeka, Kansas can test the notion of 'Distance Decay'  for a variety of structural urban characteristics.  Most gradients are measured from the Peak Value Intersection -- the very center of the CBD where land values are greatest.  In addition to the polygon features of Census Tracts in Topeka, X,Y coordinates of tract centroids are also provided.
 

• Population Density, Rents and Home Values are typically thought to decline with increasing distance from the PVI.  Is this true?

• Can you find another variable that appears to follow this pattern?


The maps are in UTM Zone 14, Units in Meters.
Illustrate your work with both maps and charts.
 

Urban Census Tracts are presumed to be relatively homogeneous 'neighborhoods.'  Washington, DC is a city of great contrasts -- from the yuppie, 'Ivy League' Georgetown to poor areas with a large African American population.

• Does the city appear racially divided on the map?  Describe the pattern.
• How 'segregated' is the city?  (Use the Index of Dissimilarity)
• Is race related to other socio-economic factors -- explore two of your choosing.