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Low Transportation Cost Index

Published by Office of Policy Development and Research, GIS Helpdesk and Open Data Division | Department of Housing and Urban Development | Catalog Last Checked: September 30, 2026 at 03:13 PM | Dataset Last Updated: July 21, 2023 at 07:16 PM
The Low Transportation Cost Index is based on estimates of transportation expenses for a 3-person single-parent family earning 50% of the median income for renters in the surrounding region (i.e. Core-Based Statistical Area). The estimates come from the Location Affordability Index (LAI). The data correspond to those for household type 6 as noted in the LAI data dictionary. More specifically, among this household type, we model transportation costs as a percent of income for renters. Neighborhoods are defined as census tracts. The LAI data do not contain transportation cost information for Puerto Rico. LOW TRANSPORTATION COST INDEX Summary The Low Transportation Cost Index is based on estimates of transportation expenses for a family that meets the following description: a 3-person single-parent family with income at 50% of the median income for renters for the region (i.e. CBSA). The estimates come from the Location Affordability Index (LAI). The data correspond to those for household type 6 (hh_type6_) as noted in the LAI data dictionary. More specifically, among this household type, we model transportation costs as a percent of income for renters (t_rent). Neighborhoods are defined as census tracts. The LAI data do not contain transportation cost information for Puerto Rico. Interpretation Values are inverted and percentile ranked nationally, with values ranging from 0 to 100. The higher the transportation cost index, the lower the cost of transportation in that neighborhood. Transportation costs may be low for a range of reasons, including greater access to public transportation and the density of homes, services, and jobs in the neighborhood and surrounding community. Data Source: Location Affordability Index (LAI) data, 2012-2016. Related AFFH-T Local Government, PHA and State Tables/Maps: Table 12; Map 11. References: www.locationaffordability.info https://lai.locationaffordability.info//lai_data_dictionary.pdf To learn more about the Low Transportation Cost Index visit: https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/fair_housing_equal_opp/affh; https://www.hud.gov/sites/dfiles/FHEO/documents/AFFH-T-Data-Documentation-AFFHT0006-July-2020.pdf, for questions about the spatial attribution of this dataset, please reach out to us at GISHelpdesk@hud.gov. Date of Coverage: 07/2020

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Complete Metadata
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description The Low Transportation Cost Index is based on estimates of transportation expenses for a 3-person single-parent family earning 50% of the median income for renters in the surrounding region (i.e. Core-Based Statistical Area). The estimates come from the Location Affordability Index (LAI). The data correspond to those for household type 6 as noted in the LAI data dictionary. More specifically, among this household type, we model transportation costs as a percent of income for renters. Neighborhoods are defined as census tracts. The LAI data do not contain transportation cost information for Puerto Rico. LOW TRANSPORTATION COST INDEX Summary The Low Transportation Cost Index is based on estimates of transportation expenses for a family that meets the following description: a 3-person single-parent family with income at 50% of the median income for renters for the region (i.e. CBSA). The estimates come from the Location Affordability Index (LAI). The data correspond to those for household type 6 (hh_type6_) as noted in the LAI data dictionary. More specifically, among this household type, we model transportation costs as a percent of income for renters (t_rent). Neighborhoods are defined as census tracts. The LAI data do not contain transportation cost information for Puerto Rico. Interpretation Values are inverted and percentile ranked nationally, with values ranging from 0 to 100. The higher the transportation cost index, the lower the cost of transportation in that neighborhood. Transportation costs may be low for a range of reasons, including greater access to public transportation and the density of homes, services, and jobs in the neighborhood and surrounding community. Data Source: Location Affordability Index (LAI) data, 2012-2016. Related AFFH-T Local Government, PHA and State Tables/Maps: Table 12; Map 11. References: www.locationaffordability.info https://lai.locationaffordability.info//lai_data_dictionary.pdf To learn more about the Low Transportation Cost Index visit: https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/fair_housing_equal_opp/affh; https://www.hud.gov/sites/dfiles/FHEO/documents/AFFH-T-Data-Documentation-AFFHT0006-July-2020.pdf, for questions about the spatial attribution of this dataset, please reach out to us at GISHelpdesk@hud.gov. Date of Coverage: 07/2020
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issued 2023-07-05
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modified 2023-07-21T19:16:14.487Z
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title Low Transportation Cost Index

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