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Demographic Analysis of Garfield, Pittsburgh: Racial Composition and Economic Trends
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Garfield, a neighborhood in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has transitioned from a Low Diversity community with a Black Majority to a Majority-Minority area with increasing diversity. In 2013, the Black population comprised 83% of residents. By 2022, this percentage decreased to 60%, while the White population grew to 28%. The neighborhood has experienced significant economic changes, with median income increasing from $22,635 in 2013 to $48,999 in 2022.
Over the past decade, Garfield has undergone a notable demographic transition. The neighborhood has been exhibiting characteristics of a Transitional Community, with consistent growth in White, Asian, and multiracial populations. The percentage of residents identifying as two or more races increased from 4% in 2013 to 7% in 2022, indicating a trend towards greater diversity.
The demographic shifts in Garfield correlate strongly with economic changes. As the neighborhood transitioned from Low Diversity to Majority-Minority status, the median income saw a dramatic increase. In 2013, when the Black Majority was at its peak, the median income was $22,635. By 2022, as the community became more diverse, the median income reached $48,999, representing a 116% increase.
This economic growth appears to have attracted a more diverse population, potentially indicating a process of gentrification. The influx of higher-income residents, particularly from White and Asian demographics, has coincided with the rapid increase in median income.
Garfield's transformation reflects broader trends seen in many urban neighborhoods across the United States. The pattern of increasing diversity and rising incomes is often associated with urban revitalization and gentrification processes. However, Garfield's changes have been particularly rapid compared to national averages.
Nationally, the median household income increased by about 10% between 2013 and 2022 when adjusted for inflation. In contrast, Garfield's median income more than doubled during this period, far outpacing the national trend. This exceptional growth suggests that Garfield has undergone a more intense period of economic change than many other U.S. neighborhoods.
The demographic shift in Garfield, while significant, is part of a broader trend of increasing diversity in American cities. However, the speed and extent of the change, particularly the decrease in the Black population from 83% to 60% in just nine years, is more dramatic than typical national patterns.
These rapid changes raise important questions about community preservation, affordable housing, and inclusive development. As Garfield continues to evolve, balancing economic growth with maintaining the neighborhood's cultural identity and supporting long-term residents will likely be key challenges for local policymakers and community leaders.
