Neighborhood Context, Homeownership and Home Value: An Ecological Analysis of Implications for Health

Abstract

While homeownership has been linked to positive health outcomes there is limited evidence regarding the conditions under which it may be health protective. We present a conceptual model linking homeownership to health, highlighting key potential pathways. Using the Detroit Metropolitan Area as a case study, and data from the American Community Survey (2009–2013; 5-years estimates) and Michigan Department of Community Health, we tested the following questions: (1) Is neighborhood percentage non-Hispanic Black (NHB) associated with homeownership? (2) Is neighborhood percentage NHB associated with health? (3) Is the association between percentage NHB and health mediated by homeownership? (4) Does neighborhood housing value modify associations between percentage NHB and health, or between homeownership and health? Percentage NHB was associated with homeownership and health outcomes; Associations between percentage NHB and mortality, but not disability, were partially mediated by neighborhood homeownership. Neighborhood housing value modified associations between neighborhood homeownership and both disability and mortality, but not between percentage NHB and health outcomes. Findings are consistent with the thesis that health-promoting effects of homeownership may be contingent upon house values. These results add to a limited body of evidence suggesting that variations in homeownership may contribute to persistent racial and socioeconomic health inequities.

Quantification of Neighborhood-Level Social Determinants of Health in the Continental United States

“…The physical grouping included housing and transportation measures. Studies have also documented associations between housing status and health risks [35][36][37][38] as well as the consequences of vehicle access on health behaviors. 39 To serve as a proxy for housing characteristics, we included the proportion of renters, rent burden (ie, more than 30% of income used for rent payments), and crowded housing conditions (ie, occupied housing units consisting of more people than rooms).…”

Determining the health benefits of green space: Does gentrification matter?

“…While several hypotheses exist relating to the potential effects of gentrification on health ("Health Effects of Gentrification," 2009) , few empirical studies to date have investigated these links (Mehdipanah et al, 2017). Emerging literature documents a trend toward a differential effect of gentrification on health by group membership, where those belonging to the lower socioeconomic classes may not benefit, even when benefit is seen among more dominant groups or residents of gentrifying neighborhoods at large.…”

Housing Discrimination and Health: Understanding Potential Linking Pathways Using a Mixed-Methods Approach

“…However, most have failed to recognize current practices that contribute continuously to segregation. Based on the findings of this study and others including the conceptual framework presented by Mehdipanah and colleagues (Mehdipanah et al 2017a) that explores the systemic effects on the relation between homeownership, health and health inequities, we have a strong case to continue studying the pathways between housing discrimination, segregation, and health. Such studies can include examining the socio-demographic characteristics of neighborhoods in which race-based housing discrimination are more likely to occur to determine whether housing discrimination continues to perpetuate residential segregation in different cities.…”