Spatial Regression Tutorial: Introduction to Spatial Analysis

This tutorial will use spatial regression to explore home ownership and housing values in southeast Michigan.  We will be looking at a slice of Census Tracts from Ann Arbor to Detroit, Michigan to see how different variables interact with home ownership rates across the geography.

About the data

Detroit is known internationally for its declining population and increasing vacancy.  Conversely, Ann Arbor, home to the University of Michigan, displays steady housing demand and an increasing population.  These two very different markets should provide an excellent geographic context for testing our spatial regression methods.

*All data was taken from STI:PopStats projections for 2006.  STI:PopStats uses a combination of Census data, Zip + 4 data, and field testing, and is widely esteemed as one of the most reliable sources for population data.