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Demographic Analysis of Germantown Morton: A Predominantly African American Neighborhood
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Germantown Morton, a neighborhood in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is characterized as a "Low Diversity" community with a "Racial Majority." As of 2022, the Black population constitutes 90% of the neighborhood. The median income in 2022 was $33,109, which is below the national average. Germantown Morton is part of one of America's oldest urban neighborhoods, with origins dating back to the colonial era and a history of abolitionist activity during the Civil War period.
Germantown Morton has maintained its status as a "Low Diversity" neighborhood with a strong "Racial Majority" over the past decade. The Black population has remained the dominant group, ranging between 87% and 92% from 2013 to 2022. This stability in racial composition indicates a consistent community identity. Minor demographic shifts include a slight decrease in the Black population from 92% in 2013 to 90% in 2022, a small increase in Hispanic representation from 2% to 3% between 2013 and 2022, and fluctuations in the White population, which peaked at 7% in 2017-2018 before settling at 5% in 2022.
The median income in Germantown Morton has experienced fluctuations. It reached a peak of $34,662 in 2019 but decreased to $28,779 in 2021, potentially due to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2022, it recovered to $33,109, which remains below the 2019 peak. The population has also varied, increasing from 5,990 in 2010 to 7,351 in 2020, indicating growth, but then decreasing to 6,303 in 2022, suggesting recent outmigration.
Germantown Morton's demographic stability contrasts with national trends of increasing diversity in urban areas. While many U.S. cities are experiencing rapid diversification, this neighborhood maintains a strong African American majority. This could be attributed to historical patterns of segregation, community attachment, or limited economic opportunities for new residents.
The economic challenges faced by Germantown Morton, with median incomes below national averages, are consistent with trends in many predominantly African American urban neighborhoods across the United States. The income fluctuations, particularly the decrease in 2021 and subsequent partial recovery, align with national patterns related to the COVID-19 pandemic's economic impact and recovery.
The recent population decrease may reflect a broader trend of population loss in some urban areas, possibly exacerbated by the pandemic's effect on urban living preferences. However, the overall population growth from 2010 to 2020 suggests that Germantown Morton had been an attractive area for residents, possibly due to its historical significance and community ties, despite economic challenges.
In conclusion, while Germantown Morton exhibits stability in its racial composition, subtle demographic shifts and significant economic fluctuations indicate a community in gradual transition, balancing historical identity with contemporary challenges and changes.
