Travel Time to Work
Do residents have long commutes to work?
Travel time to work measures how long it takes, on average, for residents to commute to their jobs. It reflects access to employment, transportation infrastructure, and land use planning.
When travel times are long, it can indicate housing/jobs mismatch, inadequate transit options, or economic segregation. Long commutes can strain families, reduce time for rest or caregiving, and increase transportation costs. Cities can address this by investing in public transit, supporting mixed-use development, and improving access to nearby jobs.
When travel times are short, residents have more time for family, health, and civic life—signaling better transportation access and livable urban planning.
Primary Indicator
Percentage of city residents that commute 45 minutes or more to work
Data were calculated using the American Community Survey Detailed Table B08012. To calculate this variable, we added the total number of people who commute 45 minutes or more and divided it by the total number of people in the labor force who commute to work.
Additional Indicators
Percentage of city residents that commute to work by travel time
Data were calculated using the American Community Survey Detailed Table B08012. To calculate this variable, we added the total number of people who commute by travel time in 15-minute intervals and divided it by the total number of people in the labor force who commute to work.
Percentage of city residents that commute to work by means of transportation
Data were obtained from the American Community Survey Detailed Table S0801, variables:
- S0801_C01_002E: percent - Car, truck, van
- S0801_C01_009E: percent - Public transportation
- S0801_C01_010E: percent - Walked
- S0801_C01_011E: percent - Bicycle
- S0801_C01_012E: percent - Taxicab, motorcycle, or other
- S0801_C01_013E: percent - Worked from home
Percentage of city residents that commute 45 minutes or more to work by sex
Data were calculated using the American Community Survey Detailed Table B08012. To calculate this variable, we added the total number of people who commute 45 minutes or more by sex and divided it by the total number of people in the labor force who commute to work by sex.