University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

In a study using mobile smartphone location data to track mobility in New York City, United States, it was found that individuals living in wealthier boroughs (like Manhattan) and higher-income census tracts were more likely to leave the city to shelter in place elsewhere in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

When analyzing the relationship between residual case counts and census tract, researchers controlled for mobility factors and found that some of the disparate rates between racial and income groups were explained. 

Spatial Inequities in Mobility due to COVID-19 Producing Racial & Income Disparities

Figure: Propensity to Leave NYC in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic by Census Tract

This study confirmed the role of income as a factor in explaining moves away from New York City.

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