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Demographic Analysis of Calvert Square: A Low Diversity Neighborhood with Predominantly Black Population
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Calvert Square, a neighborhood in Norfolk, Virginia, exhibits characteristics of a Low Diversity community with a clear Racial Majority. As of 2022, the neighborhood's population is 94% Black, establishing it as a Black Majority area. This demographic composition has remained stable over the past decade, with minor fluctuations. Calvert Square faces economic challenges, with a median income of $12,813 in 2022, which is below the national average. The neighborhood is historically significant as a public housing community, originally constructed in the 1950s as part of urban renewal efforts.
Throughout the analyzed period (2013-2022), Calvert Square has maintained its status as a Low Diversity, Black Majority neighborhood. The Black population has consistently remained above 90% for the entire decade, with slight variations. The most notable shift occurred between 2016 and 2017, when the white population increased from 0% to 2%, introducing a small element of diversity. However, this change did not substantially alter the overall demographic categorization of the neighborhood.
The median income in Calvert Square has fluctuated over the years but has generally remained low. There was a slight upward trend from 2013 ($13,338) to 2016 ($15,402), followed by a decline to $11,642 in 2021, before a slight recovery to $12,813 in 2022. These income levels indicate persistent economic challenges in the neighborhood.
The population of Calvert Square has shown variability. It decreased from 1,301 in 2010 to a low of 753 in 2015, before gradually increasing to 1,129 in 2022. This population recovery did not correlate with improved economic conditions, as the median income continued to fluctuate and ultimately declined over this period.
The demographic stability of Calvert Square contrasts with national trends, where many urban areas have experienced increasing diversity over the past decade. The persistent low-income levels in the neighborhood are concerning when compared to the national median household income, which was around $70,784 in 2021. This disparity highlights the economic isolation of Calvert Square from broader economic growth trends.
The neighborhood's status as a predominantly Black, low-income area reflects historical patterns of segregation and economic inequality in many American cities. The lack of significant demographic change over the decade suggests limited gentrification or urban renewal impacts, which have affected similar neighborhoods in other parts of the country.
The slight increase in the white population between 2016 and 2017, though small, could indicate the beginnings of a subtle shift. However, this change has not significantly altered the neighborhood's overall demographic or economic profile. The persistent low diversity and economic challenges in Calvert Square indicate a need for targeted economic development and community investment strategies to address long-standing inequalities and improve residents' quality of life.
