The Populations of Concern

Populations of concern are specific population groups in target neighborhoods within the Boston Region MPO area that were identified by the Environmental Justice Committee. The target populations and neighborhoods were identified using traffic analysis zones (TAZs). A TAZ is determined by a combination of census statistics dealing with the resident population and the numbers of trips generated by that population.

The target populations include:

• Low-Income – The MPO median household income in 2000 was approximately $55,800. A low-income TAZ was defined as having a median household income at or below 75% of this level ($41,850).

• Minority – 21.4% of the population of the MPO area in 2000 was made up of minorities (non-white and Hispanic). A minority TAZ was defined as having a percentage of minority population greater than 21.4%.

• English as a Second Language (ESL) – 4.1% of the MPO residents age five and older were unable to speak English in 2000. An ESL TAZ was defined as an area in which 4.1% of residents age five and older were unable to speak English.

• Zero-Vehicle Households (0VHH) – Approximately 15.4% of households in the Boston Region MPO area owned no motor vehicle in 2000. A 0VHH TAZ was defined as an area in which more than 15.4% of all households were without autos.

The Environmental Justice Committee identified the 17 target neighborhoods (localized groups of TAZs) based on the density of low-income and minority populations residing in those TAZs. An accessibility analysis was performed on the target neighborhoods for the 2004–2025 Plan.

The target neighborhoods include:

Coming soon profiles of each neighborhood from the 2004-2025 RTP.