American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

During the last half of the 20th century, which of the following was common to the 25 largest cities in the U.S.?

1. All experienced an increase in employment opportunities.

2. The violent crime rate dropped in all 25 cities.

3. The local tax rate declined in all 25 cities.

4. All experienced a decline in the median family income.

The correct answer is: All experienced a decline in the median family income.

The correct choice reflects a significant socio-economic trend during the latter half of the 20th century, particularly in urban centers. Many of the largest cities in the U.S. faced various challenges, including deindustrialization, suburbanization, and economic shifts that led to job losses in traditional sectors. These factors contributed to a decline in median family incomes as many families moved away in search of better opportunities or were impacted by the economic downturns within the cities. This decline in median family income is aligned with economic data from this period, indicating that many urban areas struggled to provide adequate employment and services, leading to increased levels of poverty and a dwindling tax base. Households in these cities often faced economic hardship, exacerbated by issues like inequality, housing instability, and rising costs of living, which meant that median incomes were not keeping pace or were declining. The other options reflect more optimistic perspectives that do not match the historical data for that period. While some cities may have experienced localized increases in employment opportunities, it was not a universal trend across all 25. Similarly, violent crime rates fluctuated, and while some cities did see decreases, it was not consistent across all of them. Tax rates also varied; in some instances, local governments raised taxes