Louisville's Peer Metros in Housing Stability + Benchmarking

Sheet 1: Geometric Distance from Focal MSA Results

We set the geometric distance criteria by applying key housing stability metrics (median home value, median household income, and poverty rates) alongside population parameters (total MSA population and Black population percentage). 

We located the Louisville MSA within this set context and centered its location geometrically via its housing stability figures. 

Using the geometric location of the Louisville MSA as a centroid, we scanned outwardly from this point to find the MSAs that are in the closest proximity to Louisville. This geometric closeness is based on an MSA having similar numbers to the Louisville MSA on specific metrics and how consistently similar these numbers are across standardized metrics. 

We produced a list that is hierarchically arranged from the most proximate to the least proximate MSAs. The ‘Top 5’ closest MSAs to Louisville are considered its peer metros. 

Sheet 2: Top 5 Peer Metros Housing Stability Benchmarking Statistics

After identifying Louisville’s peer metros, we selected definitive housing stability measures to benchmark where the five peer metros and Louisville stand in relation to each other across measures. We also provide the means and medians associated with each metric to further analyze the standing of peer metros.

• Homeownership Metrics
• 1) home-buying affordability gap; 2) homeownership rate; 3) Black homeownership equity
• Rental Affordability Metrics
• 1) rental affordability; 2) AMI-based rental affordability
• Cost Burden Metrics
• 1) cost-burdened households; 2) Black cost-burdened households

Sheet 3: Top 5 Peer Metros Benchmarking Scorecard

Based on the benchmarking analysis, we score each MSA across the housing stability metrics. 5 points are awarded to the MSAs that place first on a metric—0 points to the MSAs that place last. 

We provide a ‘final rankings’ list to show how each of the peer metros performed in relation to each other across all housing stability measures. 

(Source: US Census Bureau. 2024. "American Community Survey, 1-Year Estimates.")