The Romanian-born population in medium-sized Spanish cities: demographic evolution and patterns of urban segregation

The Romanian community is one of the three main foreign-born groups residing in Spain. The main objective of this article was to analyse its demographic evolution and to characterise the residential segregation patterns of Romanians living in medium-sized cities in inland Spain. To do this, we applied a quantitative and spatial approach based on a georeferenced analysis of census data obtained from Spain's National Institute of Statistics (INE). We initially analysed 3194 census districts in 34 urban areas and used the Segregation Index (SI) to identify patterns of urban segregation which were classified as low, moderate, or high. We subsequently applied advanced multivariate analysis techniques to examine the intra-urban space, taking three cities with high indices of segregation (Jaén, Girona, and Badajoz) as case studies. The results showed that the Romanian population tended to settle in predominantly peripheral, medium-income neighbourhoods, although significant differences were observed between cities. These findings challenged the traditional view of segregation being exclusively linked to the marginalisation and precarious existence of foreign immigrants, offering new perspectives on urban dynamics and, more specifically, of the settlement strategies of Spain's Romanian community. • The Romanian community is one of the three main foreign-born groups residing in Spain. • The multivariate clusters allowed to analyse intra-urban space in 34 cities in inland Spain. • The results showed that the Romanian population tended to settle in peripheral, medium-income neighbourhoods. • The segregation of the Romanian population shows a greater degree of socioeconomic heterogeneity. • This study opens new lines for reflection about segregation, especially in the Spanish context.