Child Walkability Across Seattle Census Tracts: Comparing Child-Friendliness Through Geospatial Analysis and an Equity Lens

Abstract

Seattle, Washington, has faced massive economic and population growth over the past decade. And as a result, there have been concerns of continued racial inequity and displacement. One topic less studied has been on the child-friendliness of the city. Despite the benefits of child-friendly planning seen in the literature review, Seattle is often colloquially discussed as being unfriendly for children yet friendly for pets. However, fewer studies have examined such statements empirically. This thesis asks then, “how amenable are Seattle census tracts for child walkability?” And as a sub-question, “does the child-friendliness of walkability correlate with racial demographic composition of the tract?” To address such questions, a walkability index was created to assess the walkability for children ages 5-9 across Seattle census tracts. The index used indicators to assess factors that enable or hinder walkability in the built environment, safety, and environmental hazards. These variables included, but were not limited to, variables such as sidewalk quality, public realm amenities densities, and crime, and air quality. The index was aggregated using standardized Z-scores and then compared against socioeconomic and demographic variables from the 2019 American Community Survey. Pearson’s correlations coefficients and Local Bivariate Relationship tests in GIS were used to assess statistical significance. The results showed insignificant statistical results in assessing correlation between the total index, race, and the density of children ages 5-9 across census tracts. However, both future qualitative study and index analysis at the block level could further understanding. Regardless of statistical significance, this thesis finds that policy that incorporates child-centric considerations is needed—the benefits of planning for children can support the long-term livability of a city through more walkable neighborhoods.