This map was developed by the Atlanta Regional Commission using data from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Location Affordability Index to show the affordability of housing and transportation costs, as a percentage of income. This map uses census tracts in metro Atlanta to show spatial trends in affordability.

This map evaluates transportation and housing costs for a “Type 1 Family” (out of eight types): a family of four, including two working commuters, with a median annual household income ($57,740). So, for example, the dark blue areas represent neighborhoods where a “Type 1 family” would have to spend at least 53.2 percent of their income on housing and transportation costs. Thus, this is a good tool to use to assess which locations may be most affordable according to your family’s financial situation.

This map can show four variables:

  • Housing and Transportation Costs as Percent of Income
  • Housing Costs as Percent of Income
  • Transportation Costs as Percent of Income
  • Annual Vehicle Miles Traveled
  • Annual Transit Trip

Instructions: Hover your mouse in the top left corner of the legend window (not the map window) and click the gear symbol that appears. Click the drop-down arrow button next to “Color data” and choose a variable. Hover your mouse over census tracts on the map to find the value.

To download the data visit the ARC Open Data site.

*This map may not open in Internet Explorer- try another browser.