Code for: Reassessing the Spatial Mismatch Hypothesis

Abstract: Using LEHD data, we demonstrate several facts that are not consistent with the "spatial mismatch" hypothesis that residential segregation and uneven distribution of jobs limits Black workers’ opportunities. We show that (a) there is no Black-white gap in the firm premium component of wages in an Abowd-Kramarz-Margolis wage decomposition; (b) there are both more jobs and more good jobs within commuting distance of Black than white workers; and (c) Black workers’ commutes are shorter. We conclude that geographic proximity to good jobs is not a major source of racial earnings gaps in major U.S. cities today.<br><br>This replication archive contains all code for the project. It does not contain data, as all data are restricted-use data held by the U.S. Census Bureau.<br>