Social mix and the city: Council housing and neighbourhood income inequality in Vienna

Abstract

The Austrian capital of Vienna is widely acknowledged as one of the most livable cities, featuring a unique model of council housing that accounts for roughly 25% of all residential dwellings. This paper studies whether the broad provision of council housing is linked with a higher social mix in the neighbourhood. The analysis is based on administrative wage tax data at a small-scale raster grid of 500 × 500 meter with neighbourhood income inequality as an indicator for the social mix. While council housing is widely spread across the city, we find distinct spatial clusters of high and low income and inequality. Spatial econometric models show that council housing in Vienna is associated with lower income areas but slightly correlates with higher neighbourhood income inequality. These findings suggest that well-designed public housing policies may contribute to a higher social mix in a city.

Navigating spatial inequalities: The micro-politics of migrant dwelling practices during COVID-19 in Antwerp

“…In Belgium of the 30% lower income earners, only 7% are in social housing, with the remainder paying a high rental cost for subpar dwellings on the market (Goris, 2019; Musterd, 2005). To avoid high levels of socio-economic segregation or stigma (Haandrikman et al, 2023, Musterd, 2005, Imeraj et al, 2018, 2021), Vienna serves as an exemplary model for well-distributed and extensive social housing, with approximately 25% of residential dwellings owned by the municipality (Premrov and Schnetzer, 2023).…”

Impact analysis of bilateral trade openness and income inequality based on the system GMM method: A case study of transnational dynamic panel data

“…The difference in teaching level has led to an increase in the proportion of income distribution among the workforce receiving higher education. Their labor level is more proficient, exace rbating d omestic II (Premrov & Schnetzer, 2023).…”

Closing the Rent Index Gap – A Quantitative Approach to Rental‐Sector Gentrification

“…On the contrary, the city is well-known for its high standard of living and emphasis on social cohesion (Hatz 2008). This is frequently linked to widespread and stable social housing provision which aims to promote social mixing (Premrov & Schnetzer 2023) and a wider price dampening effect (Banabak 2023). Together the communal and the non-profit housing segments provide housing to about half of Viennese residents.…”