Where the Wealthy Live: American Economic Geography and Urban Planning

How does the concentration of wealth shape the physical and social landscapes of American cities? Understanding the geographic distribution of high-income households and its relationship to poverty is essential for anyone interested in urban development, public policy, or social justice. This text-based course guides you through the foundational concepts of economic geography, spatial inequality, and urban planning. You will gain the analytical tools to read demographic trends, understand how policy decisions concentrate wealth, and evaluate the impact of economic segregation on local communities. What you'll learn: Understand the key terminology of wealth distribution, poverty metrics, and economic security; Analyze the geographic patterns of high-income households across American metropolitan areas and rural regions; Examine how zoning laws, tax incentives, and urban planning policies influence neighborhood demographics; Explore the relationship between wealth concentration, gentrification, and economic segregation; Identify modern data sources used to map and study socioeconomic trends in local communities. The course begins with foundational definitions of wealth, poverty, and spatial analysis before moving into historical context and modern case studies of American cities. You will read structured analyses of policy impacts and practice interpreting real-world demographic scenarios. Designed entirely for beginners, this course requires no prior background in economics, geography, or urban planning. Start reading today to build a deeper understanding of how wealth and policy shape the cities we live in.