America's Racial Wealth Gap in 8 Graphs

The racial wealth gap in the United States represents one of the most persistent and pressing issues of economic inequality. The latest infographic by Eric Gordon and Luke Newton, "America's Racial Wealth Gap in 8 Graphs," offers a stark visual representation of this disparity, highlighting the urgent need for targeted interventions and systemic change. Here’s a breakdown of the key findings from the infographic:

Economic Cost and Opportunity

The Black-white wealth gap is not just a social and moral issue—it has significant economic implications. The gap is expected to cost the US economy $1 trillion to $1.5 trillion per year by 2028. By closing this gap, US economic output (GDP) could be 4-6% higher in 2028. This potential for growth underscores the importance of addressing racial wealth disparities not only for social equity but also for economic prosperity.

Industry Representation

The infographic reveals that only five industries represent the majority of employer businesses owned by Black Americans: Transportation, Construction, Administration, Professional Services, and Healthcare. Specifically, 74% of Black women and 62% of Black men business owners are concentrated in these sectors. This limited industry representation points to broader structural barriers that need to be addressed to diversify and expand economic opportunities for Black entrepreneurs.

Geographic Disparities

Geographic location plays a critical role in economic opportunities for Black Americans. The infographic shows that 65% of Black Americans live in 16 states, mainly in the South, that are below the US average on indicators of economic opportunity. This geographic concentration highlights the need for region-specific policies and investments to uplift communities that are disproportionately disadvantaged.

Business Equity

Business equity is another area where disparities are stark. Only 5% of Black Americans hold some business equity. The average Black American’s business equity is worth about 50% of the average American's and just 33% of the average white American's. This gap in business equity not only limits individual wealth but also constrains community economic development.

Capital Access and Start-Up Success

Black entrepreneurs face significant challenges in accessing capital and sustaining their businesses. They are three times more likely than their white counterparts to cite a lack of access to capital and twice as likely to cite the cost of capital as negatively affecting their profitability. Moreover, while 20% of Black Americans start businesses, only 4% of these businesses survive the start-up stage. This stark contrast points to systemic issues in financial systems that need to be addressed to support Black entrepreneurs more effectively.

Start-Up Capital Disparities

On average, Black entrepreneurs start their businesses with about $35,000 of capital, which is only 32.7% of the $107,000 that white entrepreneurs start with. This significant difference in start-up capital is a major barrier to the growth and success of Black-owned businesses.

Wealth Disparities

The wealth gap extends beyond business ownership to family wealth. The median white family’s wealth is more than 10 times that of the median Black family. This enormous disparity in wealth accumulation reflects historical and ongoing inequalities that require comprehensive policy solutions.

Potential Benefits of Closing the Gap

Closing the racial wealth gap would yield substantial benefits, including economic growth, job creation, poverty reduction, and enhanced educational opportunities. It would also improve health outcomes, housing stability, community investment, innovation, diversity, social equity, and national stability.

Conclusion

The "America's Racial Wealth Gap in 8 Graphs" infographic by Creative Investment Research provides a powerful visual representation of the economic disparities faced by Black Americans. Addressing these disparities requires targeted policies, investments, and systemic changes. By closing the racial wealth gap, we can create a more equitable and prosperous society for all.

Join the Conversation

Share your thoughts on how we can bridge the racial wealth gap. Engage with the data and join the movement for economic equity. Let's work together to build a fairer economy and society.

By raising awareness and driving action, we can make strides towards closing the racial wealth gap and fostering a more inclusive economy. Share this post and infographic to contribute to the conversation and support change.