Often inequality is talked about in terms of the contrast between rich and poor. But of course geography is part of the story, and it’s not just about gated communities versus housing projects. A recent study ranked ZIP Codes and counties across the United States by prosperity, and the results (presented here) offer an eye-opening window on gaps in well-being and opportunity. Many Americans live in prosperous communities, but about 1 in 6 lives in a distressed ZIP Code. The challenge includes lots of “old-industry” cities in the Northeast and Midwest, as well as much of the rural South. Steven Glickman of the Economic Innovation Group, which conducted the research, says the inequality is fueled not just by gaps in education but also by a dearth of new-business formation and investment, especially in the distressed zones. “ZIP Code now is deciding economic destiny,” he says. As an example of solutions he points to a bipartisan “Investing in Opportunity Act” in Congress, designed to spur job creation in areas that have fallen behind.  – Mark Trumbull