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Astoria in 2022: Neighborhood with the most significant population decline in New York over the past decade, New York
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Population
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Population
Astoria, a vibrant neighborhood in Queens, New York, has experienced significant demographic shifts over the past decade. According to recent data, Astoria has emerged as the neighborhood with the most substantial population decline in New York City from 2010 to 2022. This distinction highlights important changes in the area's urban landscape and socioeconomic dynamics.
In 2022, Astoria's population stood at 99,480, marking a notable decrease from its peak of 107,255 in 2015. This decline represents a loss of 7,775 residents or approximately 7.25% of its population over seven years. The trend becomes even more pronounced when compared to the 2010 baseline population of 106,157, showcasing a decade-long pattern of population reduction.
The population decline in Astoria is particularly striking given the neighborhood's historical growth trajectory. From 2010 to 2015, Astoria experienced a period of population increase, reaching its peak in 2015. However, this growth was followed by a consistent downward trend from 2016 onwards. The most significant single-year drop occurred between 2017 and 2018, with a decrease of 4,348 residents, representing a 4.14% decline in just one year.
While population decline is the primary focus, it's essential to examine other demographic and economic factors that may correlate with or help explain this trend. One notable aspect is the change in median income over the same period. Astoria's median income has shown a general upward trend, increasing from $64,696 in 2013 to $84,866 in 2022. This rise in median income, particularly the sharp increase to $93,881 in 2021 before a slight decline in 2022, suggests a possible gentrification process that could be contributing to population shifts.
The housing market in Astoria also provides context for the population decline. Average home prices in the area have risen significantly, from $508,733 in 2013 to $757,386 in 2022. This substantial increase in housing costs, coupled with rising median rents (from $1,510 in 2013 to $1,844 in 2022), may be pricing out some residents and contributing to the observed population decrease.
Interestingly, despite the population decline, Astoria has maintained a relatively stable employment-to-population ratio, increasing slightly from 0.646 in 2013 to 0.681 in 2022. This suggests that while the overall population has decreased, the neighborhood has retained or attracted employed individuals, potentially indicating a shift in the demographic composition towards higher-income earners.
The racial composition of Astoria has also undergone changes during this period. The white population has seen a slight decrease from 57.22% in 2013 to 54.67% in 2022, while the Hispanic population has increased from 24.03% to 24.79%. The Asian population has remained relatively stable, with a slight decrease from 12.46% to 11.09%. These shifts in racial demographics, although modest, may be indicative of broader socioeconomic changes affecting the neighborhood's population dynamics.
In conclusion, Astoria's distinction as the New York neighborhood with the most significant population decline over the past decade is a complex phenomenon. The data suggests that this trend is likely influenced by a combination of factors, including rising housing costs, increasing median incomes, and subtle shifts in racial demographics. While the population has decreased, the neighborhood appears to be undergoing a transformation that may be attracting higher-income residents while potentially displacing others. These changes highlight the ongoing evolution of urban neighborhoods and the challenges of maintaining diversity and affordability in the face of economic pressures.
