The SRD Index gives each county a score from 0 to 100 that highlights areas most impacted by discriminatory laws. A higher score means a higher impact of discrimination.
For more details on the SRD Index, use the about, documentation, and community engagement links.
Historically, discrimination in housing policies kept Black families from building wealth, creating long-term disadvantages. Segregated neighborhoods still limit access to education, transportation, and healthy food. Black people are more likely to be uninsured and face poorer Healthcare Resources, while the prison population remains disproportionately Black.
Use the maps below to better understand the impact of discriminaiton across dimensions over time.
The answer is yes. The chart below shows that Black communities in metro areas with populations over 1 million (Metro A) have seen a decline in structural racism over time, while Black people in rural counties (populations 5,000-20,000) have faced increased discrimination. By 2020, rural counties experienced higher discrimination than 50% of U.S. counties, worsening the well-being of rural Black communities.
Targeted policies are needed, especially for rural communities of color.