A newly released analysis of the 2010 U.S. Census results by the Population Reference Bureau (PRB) shows that the least racially segregated metropolitan areas in the U.S were all found in the fast-growing South and West.

In contrast, the most segregated metro areas were mainly concentrated in the slow-growing Northeast and Midwest.

Only metro areas with a total population of 500,000 residents or more and at least 3,000 African-American residents were examined.

It was found that the 10 least-segregated metro areas, including Raleigh, North Carolina, and Las Vegas, were among the nation’s fastest growing metros, with population increases exceeding 40 percent over the past decade.

The 10 least-segregated metro areas all grew faster in general than the national average of 11 percent between 2000 and 2010, with seven increasing 20 percent or more. Only one of the 10 most-segregated metro areas grew at even half of the national average. 

Most segregated metro areas, such as Detroit, Cleveland and Buffalo, all lost population.

Overall, the analysis found that Black-white residential segregation has declined modestly since 2000 and segregation persists in older cities that have long-established Black neighborhoods and predominately white suburban enclaves.

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(Photo: Steve Marcus/Reuters)