2026 Undergraduate Research Showcase

What Is Driving 'Urban Sprawl'?

Document Type

Student Presentation

Presentation Date

4-24-2026

Faculty Sponsor

Dr. Kelly Chen

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between car dependency and housing unit density in the United States, using microdata from the American Community Survey (ACS) from 2013 to 2023. The analysis combines individual-level commuting behavior with PUMA-level measures of housing density and estimates a survey-weighted log–level regression model with state and year fixed effects and two-way clustered standard errors. The dependent variable is the natural logarithm of housing unit density, allowing coefficients to be interpreted as approximate percentage changes and improving comparability across a wide range of urban and suburban contexts. Results indicate that exclusive reliance on automobiles for commuting is negatively associated with housing density, even after controlling for income, race, age, and a poverty index. The magnitude and interpretation of this relationship are contextualized alongside regional institutions, demographic patterns, and transportation systems.

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