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Demographic Analysis of Fairground Neighborhood: A Predominantly Black Community in St. Louis
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Fairground Neighborhood in St. Louis, Missouri, is characterized as a Low Diversity community with a Black Majority. In 2022, 91% of the population identified as Black. The neighborhood experienced significant population decline, decreasing from 1,262 residents in 2010 to 589 in 2022. This decline, along with fluctuating median income levels, indicates a community in transition. The neighborhood's name suggests a historical connection to a local fairground or exhibition area.
Throughout the period from 2013 to 2022, the Fairground Neighborhood maintained its status as a Black Majority community. The percentage of Black residents remained above 90% for the entire decade, with minor fluctuations. Subtle signs of increasing diversity appeared towards the end of the period. The White population increased slightly from 4% in 2013 to 5% in 2022. The Hispanic population, previously unrecorded, appeared at 3% in 2022. The Two or More Races category emerged in 2018 and remained at 1% through 2022. These small changes could potentially indicate the early stages of a Transitional Community, albeit at a very slow pace.
The median income in the Fairground Neighborhood fluctuated significantly over the years. It decreased from $23,949 in 2013 to a low of $18,334 in 2016. A recovery period followed, peaking at $28,001 in 2020. As of 2022, the median income stands at $25,468, showing some stability but still below the 2020 peak. These economic fluctuations coincide with the ongoing population decline, potentially indicating that higher-income residents may be leaving the neighborhood. The slight increase in diversity towards the end of the period correlates with a modest increase in median income from 2021 to 2022, suggesting that new, slightly more affluent residents from diverse backgrounds may be moving in.
The persistent Black Majority in the Fairground Neighborhood is notable in the context of broader national trends towards increased diversity in urban areas. Many U.S. cities have experienced growing Hispanic and Asian populations, but this trend is only beginning to appear in this neighborhood as of 2022.
The significant population decline (53% decrease from 2010 to 2022) is more severe than typical urban population shifts and may indicate broader issues affecting the neighborhood, such as lack of economic opportunities or urban decay.
The median income of $25,468 in 2022 is substantially below the national median household income (which was around $70,000 in 2021), highlighting the economic challenges faced by this community. However, the recent upward trend in income, if sustained, could signal the start of economic revitalization.
In conclusion, while the Fairground Neighborhood remains a Low Diversity, Black Majority community, subtle demographic shifts and recent income improvements suggest the potential for change. The community faces significant economic challenges but shows resilience in maintaining its character despite substantial population loss. The coming years will be crucial in determining whether these nascent trends develop into more substantial demographic and economic transformations.
