The segregation process, discussed earlier in regard to the nature of the internal structure of North American cities and cities around the world, has produced very obvious patterns in the distribution of people by race, ethnicity, class, and gender. Far and away the most powerful force in locating groups is their ability to pay for space. This produces general sorting by economic class that characterizes cities all around the world. The wealthy are able to have choices and choose high-amenity locations in comfortable surroundings. The middle-class buy what they can afford, seeking to emulate the landscapes and lifestyles of the high-income populations. People with limited or no incomes are relegated to the lowest-quality housing in the locations with the least desirable features. In some cultures, governments have intervened to create alternatives to the landmark. These public housing developments vary remarkably in quality and location. In some areas, the public housing is quite satisfactory. Though not luxurious, it provides pleasant surroundings for low-income individuals and families. In other areas, public housing has failed to provide a safe and secure neighborhood for any individuals.

To the degree that there is a correlation between race or ethnicity and class, a similar pattern of population distribution can be found. In the United States, for example, where such a correlation is significantly strong, it is possible to find large areas where certain populations live in high-quality housing while other populations live in low-quality housing. This could be observed in the 1920s when the great northern migration of African Americans occurred. Several programs, both official and unofficial, were developed in the northern cities to keep African Americans confined to certain parts of the city. These practices were finally declared illegal during the administration of Lyndon Johnson and the civil rights acts of the 1960s and early 1970s. It is not correct to say that one ethnic group prefers to live in one sort of housing or one sort of neighborhood. The group's location is a result of when they arrive in the city and what groups are already there, what space is available, and how much individual groups can afford to pay. In most cities, ethnic groups such as the Japanese are not concentrated at all. Other groups, such as Hispanic and Native American populations, are found in striking concentrations in North American cities. It is also possible to see some specific concentration of gender groups in cities. In recent years, neighborhoods have developed safe, comfortable places for gays and lesbians. Another pattern is the concentration of largely female single groups in apartment complexes in the suburban or freeway zones or downtown. Still another striking trend is the rise in female-headed households in two types of locations: low-income, single mothers concentrated in cheap housing close to downtown; and middle- and upper-income single parents (notably middle-class divorcees) located close to suburban amenities in areas deemed to be safe.