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Demographic Analysis of East St. Louis: A Predominantly Black Community
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
East St. Louis, Illinois, is categorized as a "Low Diversity" community with a "Racial Majority" of Black residents. As of 2022, the city's population is 18,905, with a median income of $30,655. The city covers 14.3 square miles and has experienced demographic and economic changes over the past decade.
Throughout the period from 2013 to 2022, East St. Louis has maintained its status as a "Low Diversity" community with a strong "Black Majority." The Black population has remained above 90% during this period, decreasing slightly from 95% in 2013 to 92% in 2022. This minimal shift indicates a slow trend towards increased diversity, but not enough to change the city's categorization.
The White population has remained stable at around 2-3%, while the Asian population has increased from 0% to 1%, and those identifying as two or more races have increased from 0% to 2%. The Hispanic population has consistently been around 1%. These small changes suggest the beginning of a gradual diversification, but the city remains in the "Low Diversity" category.
The median income in East St. Louis has shown an upward trend, rising from $18,965 in 2013 to $30,655 in 2022, an increase of about 62%. This growth in median income suggests improving economic conditions for residents, despite the city's low diversity.
The population has decreased from 26,525 in 2013 to 18,905 in 2022, a decline of nearly 29%. This could indicate outmigration of residents, possibly seeking better opportunities elsewhere, or could be due to other factors such as declining birth rates or increased mortality.
The trend of increasing median income coupled with population decline is not typical for growing, economically vibrant cities. The persistent lack of diversity in East St. Louis also contrasts with national trends towards increasing diversity in many urban areas.
East St. Louis is likely to remain a "Low Diversity" community with a "Black Majority" in the near future. However, the slow increase in other racial groups suggests that over a longer period, the city might transition towards becoming a "Moderate Diversity" community, albeit still with a strong Black majority.
If the trend of rising median incomes continues, it could lead to improved living standards for residents. However, the declining population is a concern that could impact the city's economic sustainability and service provision capabilities.
East St. Louis has seen positive economic indicators in terms of rising median income, but its persistent lack of diversity and declining population present challenges for its future development and community dynamics. The city may need to focus on strategies to attract and retain a more diverse population while continuing to improve economic opportunities for its current residents.
