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Arlington, Baltimore: A Study of Demographic Stability and Economic Growth in a Predominantly Black Neighborhood
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Arlington, a neighborhood in Baltimore, Maryland, exhibits a demographic profile characterized by low diversity with a significant Black majority. As of 2022, the neighborhood has a population of 1,621, with 90% of residents identifying as Black. The median income is $40,353, reflecting a moderate economic status within the urban context of Baltimore. Arlington has historical significance in Baltimore's African American community, with roots tracing back to the early 20th century as a center for Black homeownership and community development.
Over the past decade, Arlington has consistently maintained its status as a neighborhood with low diversity and a Black majority. From 2013 to 2022, the Black population has remained above 80%, with slight fluctuations. The most notable shift occurred between 2013 and 2015, where the Black population increased from 83% to 94%, further solidifying its Black majority status. This trend suggests a period of demographic consolidation rather than transition.
There have been subtle changes in other racial groups. The Asian population, which was non-existent until 2019, grew to 3-4% by 2022. The White population has remained relatively stable at 2-4% throughout the decade. These minor shifts, while not altering the overall low diversity categorization, hint at the beginnings of a very gradual diversification process.
The median income in Arlington has shown a generally positive trend over the past decade, increasing from $28,140 in 2013 to $40,353 in 2022. This represents a 43% increase over nine years. There was a substantial jump in median income between 2016 and 2019, rising from $27,237 to $41,723, a 53% increase in just three years. This period of rapid income growth coincides with the slight increase in racial diversity, particularly the introduction of Asian residents.
The population has been steadily declining, from 2,503 in 2013 to 1,621 in 2022, a 35% decrease. This population decline, coupled with income growth, suggests a possible gentrification process or a shift in neighborhood demographics towards higher-income households.
The demographic stability of Arlington, maintaining a strong Black majority, is notable in the context of many urban areas experiencing rapid demographic shifts. The income growth in Arlington, while significant, should be considered in the context of overall economic trends in Baltimore and nationally. The median household income in the United States increased by about 10% between 2013 and 2022 (adjusted for inflation), making Arlington's 43% increase substantial in comparison.
The population decline in Arlington mirrors broader trends in Baltimore, which has experienced overall population loss in recent decades. This trend is common in many post-industrial cities in the northeastern United States, often attributed to suburbanization and economic restructuring.
Arlington presents a case of demographic stability with economic improvement, set against a backdrop of population decline. While maintaining its character as a predominantly Black neighborhood, it shows signs of gradual economic uplift and the very early stages of increased diversity, potentially signaling the onset of neighborhood transition in the coming years.
