By comparing multiple parameters from two different years, I used U.S. Census Bureau Data and tools from ArcGIS to create a choroplethic map analyzing areas that are undergoing or are currently at risk to undergo gentrification in Davidson County (greater Nashville area), Tennessee.

1. GENTRIFICATION IN DAVIDSON COUNTY, TENNESSEE
2000 2014
BY KIRSTIE WHITE
INTRODUCTION
With Davidson County’s rampant population
growth and economy, the topic of gentrification is
often extremely controversial. Gentrification is
defined as the “process by which middle-class
people take up residence in traditionally working-
class areas, changing the character of a city 1”.
Growing up in Davidson County, I have seen the
consequences of this process. While economic
growth is not inherently bad, it tends to displace
low-income families. With this prosperity, some
even argue that Nashville is losing its soul 2.
METHODS
• To obtain the data, I used census tract data from the U.S.
Census for the years 2000 and 2014 to create a comparison
• Using ArcGIS 10.0, I then used that data to create choroplethic
maps to represent the various characteristics that are factored
into my gentrification risk analysis
• For the analysis, I used a raster conversion, then a slice
reclassification, and then a raster calculation to find the areas
that were most likely to undergo or are currently undergoing
gentrification
RESULTS
• High risk areas: Lockeland Springs, East Nashville, the
Twelve South, Wedgewood, and Lafayette Street
neighborhoods
• Medium high risk areas: Bellevue, Madison, SoBro, Green
Hills, and the Gulch.