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Demographic Analysis of Elmwood: A Black Majority Neighborhood in Syracuse
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Elmwood neighborhood in Syracuse, New York, exhibits a demographic profile categorized as a "Black Majority" community. As of 2022, the Black population comprises 53% of the neighborhood's 2,150 residents. The median income is $61,438. Elmwood's proximity to Syracuse University is a notable characteristic.
Over the past decade, Elmwood has maintained its status as a "Black Majority" community, with the Black population consistently representing the largest racial group. In 2013, the neighborhood was in the "Black Majority" category with 53% Black population. From 2014 to 2019, it transitioned to a "Black Plurality" status, with Black population percentages ranging from 42% to 49%. By 2020, it returned to "Black Majority" status, continuing through 2022. The White population decreased from 38% in 2013 to 34% in 2022, while the Hispanic population increased from 3% to 6% during the same period.
The median income in Elmwood has fluctuated over the years, correlating with demographic shifts. The lowest median income of $44,890 was recorded in 2019, coinciding with the period of "Black Plurality." A sharp increase in median income occurred in 2020 and 2021, reaching $76,247 in 2021, aligning with the return to "Black Majority" status. The most recent data for 2022 shows a decrease to $61,438, still higher than most previous years.
The demographic trends in Elmwood reflect broader national patterns of increasing diversity in urban areas. The maintenance of a Black Majority in Elmwood is somewhat unique, as many urban neighborhoods have trended towards more mixed demographics or experienced gentrification leading to demographic shifts.
The economic fluctuations, particularly the sharp increase in median income from 2019 to 2021, could be related to national economic trends during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many urban areas experienced significant economic shifts during this period, often influenced by changes in employment patterns and government assistance programs.
The proximity to Syracuse University likely influences the neighborhood's demographics and economy. University areas often experience more demographic stability due to the constant influx of students and faculty, which may explain why Elmwood has maintained its Black Majority status despite national trends towards increased diversity.
Elmwood presents a case of a stable Black Majority community that has experienced economic improvements while maintaining its demographic character. The neighborhood's ability to increase its median income significantly while retaining its racial composition suggests a degree of economic empowerment within the Black community, which is notable in the context of broader urban demographic trends.
