Average Travel Time to Work by Average Household Income, 2019, May 2021

East-West Gateway’s May 2021 Map of the Month depicts the average travel time to work by average household income for census tracts in the St. Louis region. Using a bivariate mapping technique, these two layers are combined to reveal relationships that may not be apparent when viewed side by side. For instance, census tracts in central St. Louis County, displayed on the map as bright red, have average household incomes between $143,747 and $330,140 along with relatively low travel times to work (less than 24.4 minutes). Moving west through St. Louis County, the tracts are displayed as purple, representing high household incomes and longer travel times. Areas within the city of St. Louis and northern St. Louis County, in a bright blue, have lower average household incomes (less than $80,235) and higher travel times to work (more than 30.2 minutes) relative to other areas of the region. A similar pattern exists in parts of southern Franklin County, western Jefferson County, and northeastern Madison County. This mapping technique is useful for identifying communities that may face a combination of high transportation costs and relatively low income levels.