Question

Use the maps to answer the question.

Two maps show demographic and income patterns in Houston.

Major highways labeled 10, 45, 59, 90, 290, 610, and 8 encircle and cross through the city, and a compass rose indicates direction. Each map includes a scale showing distances up to 10 miles and 10 kilometers. Map A shows areas where at least 75 percent of residents belong to a single racial or ethnic group. The key identifies three groups: African American, Hispanic, and White. African American populations are concentrated in the central and southern sections near central Houston. Hispanic populations are located mostly in neighborhoods west and north of downtown, while White populations dominate the outer suburban areas surrounding the city. Map B shows the median household income in 2014. The key identifies three income ranges: 100,000 dollars and above, 50,000 to 99,000 dollars, and below 50,000 dollars. The highest-income areas appear in the western, northeastern, and southeastern suburbs. Middle-income areas are scattered in parts of the west and northeast. The lowest-income areas are located mainly in and around central Houston.
Which models of urban structure are suggested by the data in Map A? Explain your reasoning in 1–2 sentences.
What conclusions can you draw about the northwestern edge of the Houston MSA based on the data shown? Explain your reasoning in 1–2 sentences.
Incorporating the data from both figures, describe in 1–2 sentences the area within the 610 beltway?

Answer 1

1) Map A suggests both the concentric-zone and sector models: minority groups (African American and Hispanic) cluster in the inner city while Whites form an outer suburban ring (concentric), and the minority areas extend as wedge-like sectors radiating from downtown (sector).

2) The northwestern edge of the MSA appears to be predominantly white suburban and relatively affluent, since outer suburbs are white-dominated on Map A and western suburbs show high median incomes on Map B.

3) Inside the 610 beltway is the urban core characterized by concentrated minority populations (notably African American and Hispanic neighborhoods) and generally lower median household incomes compared with outlying suburbs.