CVS Operates Fewer Stores in Low-Income Areas
CVS’s store location decisions not only have a racially discriminatory impact but also disproportionately affect lower-income communities. Aggregating data from all U.S. zip codes, CVS operates 19 percent more stores per person in the wealthiest communities (where the median household income exceeds $80,000) than in the least affluent (where the median household income is less than $40,000).
In-depth demographic analyses of CVS locations in several metropolitan areas across the country reveal a pattern similar to the nationwide trend. CVS’s corporate decisions about store location create clear lines between communities with easy access to CVS’ services and those without.
On a per person basis, CVS locates more stores in the wealthiest communities than in the least affluent. As the figure below shows, the pattern repeats across the nation from Los Angeles to New York, from Houston to Detroit.
CVS Stores by Median Household Income
Click below to view maps of CVS store locations in greater Houston, South Florida and the Philadelphia area.
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Key Highlights
New York Metro Area: There are nearly four times as many CVS stores per person in the wealthiest communities as in the least affluent areas.
Greater Houston and Phoenix: In both markets there are more than twice as many CVS stores per person in the wealthiest areas as in the least affluent.
Greater Los Angeles: There are twice as many CVS stores per person in the wealthiest areas of Greater Los Angeles than in the least wealthy.
