US Utility Rate Disparity Analysis
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Amir Zaman
CoPIs:
Ayan Desai
College:
The Dorothy and George Hennings College of Science, Mathematics, and Technology
Major:
Computer Science
Faculty Research Advisor(s):
Ching-yu Huang
Abstract:
Policy for housing utilities have geographic variances. Utility corporation habits also vary with location. We aim to find disparities in housing affordability by geographic location through comparing the United States individuals' tax information to US utility rates in the year 2020. Our study delves into the implications of these differences in essential living expenses. We seek to identify regional discrepancies in the affordability of essential utilities such as water, gas, and electricity but also examine how these variations intersect with socioeconomic factors.
Methods: data visualization with histogram and heat map of the US, attribute correlation, Chi-Square test, normalization. Histogram is used to show the proportion of individuals income over individual income ranges. Normalizing the relationship reveals an uneven distribution which illuminates disparities of lower income households using a larger proportion of their income towards utilities. A heat map then shows higher vs lower priced utility locations alongside the locations of low income housing vs higher income housing.
Further investigation is needed to render a complete view of the numerous factors encroaching on the individuals’ financial burdens as well as unanticipated pressures imposed onto utility pricing. However, this study provides a step forward in unearthing inequity buried in the complexities surrounding essential services.