Loading Content...
Demographic Analysis of Belmont, Philadelphia: A Predominantly Black Neighborhood with Emerging Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Belmont, a neighborhood in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, exhibits a demographic profile characterized as a "Low Diversity" community with a strong Black Majority. As of 2022, the neighborhood has a population of 3,415 and a median income of $36,320. Belmont has historical significance in Philadelphia's African American community, being an important area for Black residents since the early 20th century.
Over the past decade, Belmont has maintained its status as a "Low Diversity" community with a strong "Black Majority." The percentage of Black residents has remained above 80% throughout the period, with a peak of 94% in 2017. A slight decrease has been observed in recent years, from 91% in 2020 to 82% in 2022. This subtle shift suggests the beginning of a potential "Transitional Community" trend, albeit at a very slow pace.
The most notable change in racial composition has been the emergence of a Native American population, which grew from 0% in 2020 to 8% in 2021, and then slightly decreased to 6% in 2022. The White population has shown a gradual increase from 3% in 2013 to 6% in 2022, while the Hispanic population has remained relatively stable at around 1-2% throughout the decade.
The median income in Belmont has increased significantly over the past decade, more than doubling from $14,686 in 2013 to $36,320 in 2022. This increase correlates with the slight diversification of the neighborhood's racial composition. The most dramatic increase occurred between 2019 and 2022, with the median income rising from $20,211 to $36,320, a 79.7% increase in three years. Despite this growth, Belmont's median income remains below the national median household income of approximately $70,784 in 2021.
The population of Belmont has remained relatively stable over the decade, fluctuating between 3,400 and 4,000 residents. This stability in population, combined with the increasing median income, suggests that the economic improvements may be benefiting long-term residents rather than resulting from significant gentrification or displacement.
The demographic stability of Belmont, maintaining a strong Black Majority over the decade, contrasts with many urban neighborhoods across the United States that have experienced rapid gentrification and demographic shifts. However, the recent subtle changes in racial composition may indicate the beginning of a broader trend of diversification seen in many urban areas.
The significant increase in median income, while positive for the community, also reflects broader national trends of income inequality. Despite the substantial percentage increase, Belmont's median income remains well below national averages, highlighting the persistent economic challenges faced by predominantly Black urban neighborhoods.
In conclusion, while Belmont has maintained its character as a predominantly Black neighborhood over the past decade, subtle demographic shifts and significant income growth suggest the potential for future changes. The community's ability to increase median income without significant population turnover is noteworthy and may offer insights for other urban neighborhoods seeking economic improvement while preserving community character.
