What does this measure?

The home value reported by the homeowner to the Census Bureau, grouped by the race or ethnicity of the householder and adjusted for inflation. The median represents the mid-point of home values (half the values are above the median and half below).

Why is this important?

Historically, members of some racial and ethnic groups have suffered discrimination in buying homes and accessing home mortgages. A home is usually a person's or family's highest-valued possession. Home values are also an indicator of the region's cost of living, relative wealth, and general prosperity.

How is the Greater Capital Region performing?

Regionally, Asian homeowners had the highest median home value at $176,000, while black owners had the lowest at $106,000. Median home values for all groups in the region were below the state numbers. Compared to the nation, higher values were reported for black and Hispanic homeowners in the region. Figures are from 2000, the latest year for which racial and ethnic breakdowns are available.

Notes about the data

Regional medians were calculated by weighting county medians based on share of population. National, state and regional medians for racial and ethnic groups may reflect small numbers of households and therefore should be compared with caution. Figures reflect values for single-family homes (specified owner-occupied units in Census Bureau terms) and are adjusted to 2007 dollars.