Gentrification-Induced Displacement in Detroit, Michigan: An Analysis of Evictions

A growing number of studies have used evictions data as a way to address the methodological challenges to measuring gentrification-induced displacement. The spatial and temporal dimensions of evictions data enable researchers to potentially trace the movement of tenants over time. This article explores the role of evictions in gentrification-led displacement in Detroit, Michigan, by conducting a spatiotemporal analysis of eviction filings in the city between 2009 and 2015, and by addressing the question Where do displaced households go? This is a question that often goes unanswered in gentrification studies. Using a mixed-methods approach, this article documents the relocation of tenants from a project-based Section 8 building and traces the movement of tenant households out of a gentrifying downtown to the periphery of the city.