Submit your papersSubmit Now
For Enquiries: [email protected]
IIARD LogoIIARD
📄 Download Paper

Determinants of Residential Neighborhood Location Choice in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria

Choji, S.H.1, Ghana, Z.A., Bwala, H.B.,Aliyu, N.A., Balel, S.A., Idris, O.D., Khamis, A.

Abstract

This study evaluated the determinants of residential neighbourhood location choice in Jos metropolis, Plateau State, Nigeria. The objectives were to profile the socio-economic characteristics of residents and to assess the physical, social and economic factors, the significant predictors, and the planning implications that shape where households choose to live. A mixed-methods, cross-sectional design was adopted. From a sampling frame of 63,137 households across six randomly selected wards, a Krejcie and Morgan (1970) sample of 382 household heads was drawn by multistage and systematic sampling; 322 valid questionnaires were retrieved (84.2% response rate), complemented by six key informant interviews. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, the Relative Importance Index , Pearson correlation, multinomial logistic regression and thematic analysis. Security was the paramount determinant (RII = 0.856; r = 0.642; strongest predictor, Exp(B) = 8.524 for low-density choice), followed by household income (RII = 0.784; r = 0.538) and ethno-religious composition (RII = 0.752). Among physical factors, water supply (RII = 0.768), electricity (0.744) and road infrastructure (0.736) ranked highest. The regression model was significant (χ2 = 167.843, p < 0.001) and explained 52.3% of variation in density choice (Nagelkerke R2 = 0.523). Thematic analysis corroborated a shift toward security- and identity-driven sorting amid planning-policy deficits and affordability pressures. The study concludes that, in a conflict-affected city, safety and economic capacity have displaced accessibility as the organising principles of residential choice.

Keywords

Jos; multinomial logistic regression; neighbourhood; residential location choice; security

References

Adeleye, A. S., Ojo, O. A., & Oladipo, O. O. (2023). Socio-demographic determinants of residential location in Nigerian cities. Journal of Urban Planning and Development, 139(4), 04022076. https://doi.org/10.1061/UP.1943-5444.0000754 Akindele, A., Oyedele, J. B., & Fashina, O. (2025). Determinants of residential satisfaction. Journal of Built Environment and Geomatics, 12(1), 45–60. Akinmoladun, A., Ojo, O., & Akinbile, C. (2018). Impact of infrastructure on residential property choice in Nigeria. Housing and Society, 45(2), 88–102. Allen, J. (2018). Neighbourhood design and social outcomes. Urban Studies, 55(3), 575–590. https://doi.org/10.1177/0042098017738144 Alonso, W. (1964). Location and land use: Toward a general theory of land rent. Harvard University Press. Aliyu, M., & Amadu, D. (2023). Urban growth and residential patterns in Kano, Nigeria. African Journal of Urban Studies, 7(1), 15–30. Ayoola, B. A., Oyetunji, K. O., Amaechi, V. C., Olukolajo, A. M., Ullah, S., & Kemiki, A. O. (2023). Determining residential location choice in Lagos, Nigeria. Current Urban Studies, 11(1), 1–18. https://doi.org/10.4236/cus.2018.61003 Barry, M., & Marits, G. (2005). Accessibility and residential location choice. Transportation Research Part A, 39(6), 489–510. Bali, T. B. (2025). Assessment of urban green space in Jos metropolis, Nigeria. Unpublished M.Sc. research material, University of Jos. Boudon, R. (2014). Rational choice theory: An overview. European Journal of Sociology, 55(2), 239–261. Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77–101. Gbadegesin, J. T., Oladokun, T. T., & Ayorinde, O. (2010). Housing demand and supply in Nigerian cities. Journal of Housing and the Built Environment, 25(4), 421–435. Gyang, D. (2024). Infrastructural development and urban well-being in Jos. Plateau Journal of Environmental Studies, 18(2), 22–34. Lumi, S. (2020). Plateau State within the geographic setting of Nigeria [Map]. In Geographic atlas of Nigeria. Malamis, D., et al. (2016). Residential neighbourhood choice and commercial proximity. International Journal of Housing Markets and Analysis, 9(3), 312–328. National Population Commission . (2015). Population distribution by wards in Jos North and Jos South. NPC, Abuja. Okupe, O. (2002). Urbanisation and housing shortage in Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Economic and Social Studies, 44(1), 81–98. Tayfun, A., & Handan, T. (2019). Urban environment and residential location preference. Journal of Urban Affairs, 41(5), 601–619. Usman, A. (2013). Housing demand-supply gap in Nigeria. Journal of Sustainable Development, 6(8), 45–55. Usman, A., et al. (2015). Social amenities and neighbourhood choice in Nigerian cities. Urban Forum, 26(4), 367–382.

More Articles from IIARD INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GEOGRAPHY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

Analysis of the Geographic Character tics Which Influenced the Distribution of Existing Traditional Settlements in the Cross- River Igbo Region Nigeria

Author: Obasi, S.C.E Adiele, C

Integrating Machine Learning and GIS for Environmental Impact Assessment and Spatial Prediction of Municipal Waste Management Practices in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Nigeria

Author: Clifford-Osawaru, Wisdom Osamudiamen, Benjamin Ubido

A Critical Appraisal of Institutional Structures for Environmental Sanitation and Waste Management in Akwa Ibom State Markets

Author: Nsisong C. Ekong, Joyce B. Asuquo, Blessing G. Etukakpan

E-Waste Toxicants in Nigeria: Multi-Pathway Exposure, Toxicological Mechanisms, Human Health, Ecological Consequences and Management Priorities

Author: Ilemi Jennifer Soberekon PhD

Physicochemical Parameters and Heavy Metal Contamination of Surface Water of Mgbuodahia River, Niger Delta, Nigeria

Author: Neeuweh, J. A., Prof. Moslen, M., Dr. Green, A. F.