Residential sorting across Auckland neighbourhoods

Abstract

This paper addresses the extent to which people in Auckland exhibit residential location patterns that differ between groups, i.e. the extent to which they are spatially sorted. To measure patterns of residential location, the paper uses the index of segregation, an isolation index, Gini coefficients, Ellison & Glaeser and Maurel & Sédillot concentration measures, Moran’s I and Getis and Ord’s G*. Results are presented based on a classification of the population in different ways: ethnicity, income, education, age and country of birth. Both city-wide and local measures are considered. We find that ethnic-based sorting is the strongest indicator of residential sorting patterns, but soring by income, education and age is also present. Sorting by income and qualifications is strongest at the top and, to lesser extent, at the bottom of the income and qualifications range. Age segregation is most pronounced for older residents. Clustering is strongest within a range of up to one kilometre and declines significantly over greater distances. Local analysis by means of Getis and Ord’s G* calculations suggest significant ethnic clustering. Apart from Maori and Pacific Islanders, ethnic groups tend to locate way from each other, as confirmed with cross-Moran’s I calculations. When considering interactions between ethnicity and income we find that the location of ethnicity income subgroups is more strongly related to neighbourhood income.