Work

Low-Density Zoning and Health Disparities in Metro Areas

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study examines associations between low-density zoning and individual health outcomes across 44 large U.S. metro areas. Zoning laws that restrict housing density to low levels can restrict affordable housing, contribute to urban sprawl, and increase segregation. Density zoning is one of the oldest and most common forms of residential zoning in the United States, and conceptual models posit that low-density zoning should be associated with wider health disparities. However, empirical associations between density zoning and health have been largely undocumented. Using data from the National Longitudinal Land Use Survey and Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Selected Metropolitan/Micropolitan Area Risk Trends data (N = 87,752), we find that metro areas with a higher proportion of jurisdictions with restrictive low-density zoning have wider race, ethnic, and income disparities in poor self-assessed health. However, we also find suggestive evidence that race disparities in obesity may be narrower in metro areas with more low-density zoning.

Source: Journal of Health and Social Behavior

DOI: 10.1177/00221465251391834

Authors: Kate W. Strully, Tse-Chuan Yang, Chunxu Fang, Han Liu

Institutions: University at Albany, State University of New York, The University of Texas at San Antonio

Language: English

Topic: Urban Transport and Accessibility

Subfield: Transportation

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Sustainable cities and communities, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: bronze

Funder: National Institutes of Health