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Academy Neighborhood: A Study of Racial Demographics and Economic Trends
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Academy neighborhood in St. Louis, Missouri, is characterized as a Low Diversity community with a Black Majority. In 2022, 86% of the population identified as Black, with minimal representation from other racial groups. The neighborhood experienced economic fluctuations over the past decade, with the median income increasing from $19,227 in 2013 to $34,588 in 2022, indicating gradual economic improvement.
Over the past decade, Academy has maintained its status as a Black Majority community, with subtle shifts. In 2013, the Black population comprised 96% of the neighborhood, categorizing it as an area of extremely Low Diversity. By 2022, this percentage decreased to 86%, indicating a slight trend towards increased diversity, albeit still within the Low Diversity category. The most notable demographic shift has been the gradual increase in residents identifying as Two or More Races, from 0% in 2013 to 7% in 2022. The White population also saw a modest increase from 2% in 2013 to 6% in 2022.
The economic trajectory of Academy shows a general upward trend, with fluctuations. The median income rose from $19,227 in 2013 to $34,588 in 2022, representing an 80% increase. This growth was not linear, with a sharp decline from 2013 to 2015, followed by a substantial recovery from 2015 to 2018, and further growth in 2022. These economic shifts correlate with the demographic changes, suggesting a possible relationship between economic improvement and demographic diversification.
Population trends show a general decline from 2,925 in 2013 to 2,112 in 2022, with some fluctuations. This population decrease, coupled with income growth, might indicate a complex interplay of factors such as gentrification, out-migration of lower-income residents, or improvement in the economic status of long-term residents.
The trends observed in Academy can be contextualized within broader urban patterns. The persistent Black Majority in Academy contrasts with many urban areas that have experienced more rapid diversification or gentrification over the past decade. The economic growth, while significant, still places Academy's median income below the national average, highlighting ongoing economic challenges in this predominantly Black neighborhood.
The subtle increase in racial diversity, particularly in the Two or More Races category, aligns with national trends of increasing multiracial identification, though at a slower pace in Academy. The population decline amidst economic growth mirrors patterns seen in some urban areas where improving economic conditions lead to demographic shifts, often raising concerns about displacement of long-term residents.
Academy remains a Low Diversity, Black Majority neighborhood, but shows signs of gradual change both demographically and economically. These shifts suggest a community in slow transition, balancing historical racial composition with emerging diversity and economic development challenges.
