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Demographic Analysis of Desire Neighborhood: A Study of Low Diversity and Racial Composition
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Desire neighborhood in New Orleans, Louisiana, is categorized as a "Low Diversity" community with a "Racial Majority" of Black residents, comprising 98% of the population in 2022. The median income in 2022 was $19,635. Desire was formerly one of the largest public housing projects in the United States before its demolition in the early 2000s, which has impacted the community's demographic and economic landscape.
Over the past decade, Desire has maintained its status as a "Low Diversity" community with a strong "Racial Majority" of Black residents. The percentage of Black residents has remained stable, between 94% and 98% from 2013 to 2022. This stability suggests that the neighborhood has not experienced significant racial demographic shifts during this period.
The White population has shown a slight increase from 0% in 2014-2015 to 2% in 2021-2022. This minor shift could potentially indicate the early stages of a "Transitional Community," although the change is currently too small to definitively categorize it as such.
The median income in Desire has shown a general upward trend over the past decade, with fluctuations. It increased from $15,013 in 2013 to $23,219 in 2021 before decreasing to $19,635 in 2022. This overall increase in median income still leaves the neighborhood below the poverty line for a typical household.
The population of Desire has fluctuated, growing from 2,181 in 2013 to a peak of 2,746 in 2018, before settling at 2,452 in 2022. These population changes, combined with the income trends, suggest a community that is slowly recovering and potentially attracting new residents, but still facing significant economic challenges.
The demographic stability of Desire contrasts with many urban neighborhoods across the United States that have experienced more rapid demographic changes due to gentrification or other urban development patterns. The neighborhood's persistently low income levels indicate that it has not yet benefited significantly from broader economic growth trends seen in many U.S. cities over the past decade.
The slight increase in the White population could be an early indicator of changing neighborhood dynamics. However, this change is less pronounced than in many other historically Black neighborhoods in major U.S. cities that have experienced more rapid demographic shifts due to gentrification.
Desire's economic struggles are notable given New Orleans' efforts to rebuild and revitalize following Hurricane Katrina in 2005. While many parts of the city have seen significant redevelopment and economic growth, Desire appears to be lagging behind, highlighting the uneven nature of urban recovery and development.
Desire has shown some signs of economic improvement and subtle demographic shifts over the past decade. It remains a predominantly Black, low-income neighborhood facing significant socio-economic challenges. The community's trajectory underscores the persistent nature of urban poverty and the complexities involved in neighborhood revitalization efforts.
