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Demographic Analysis of Gravois Park: A Black Majority Neighborhood with Increasing Economic Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Gravois Park, a neighborhood in St. Louis, Missouri, presents a complex demographic landscape as of 2022. It is categorized as a "Black Majority" community, with 59% of the population identifying as Black. The neighborhood also displays elements of "Moderate Diversity," with significant White (25%) and Hispanic (8%) populations. Economically, Gravois Park has experienced substantial changes, with median income more than doubling from $20,852 in 2018 to $38,538 in 2022. This neighborhood is known for its historic architecture, including many late 19th and early 20th century brick buildings, which contribute to its unique character within St. Louis.
Over the past decade, Gravois Park has maintained its status as a "Black Majority" community, but with notable fluctuations. In 2013, the Black population comprised 66% of the total, gradually decreasing to 59% by 2022. This shift suggests a trend towards increased diversity, though not dramatic enough to change the overall categorization. The neighborhood has shown signs of becoming more diverse, particularly with the growth of the Hispanic population from 4% in 2013 to 13% in 2019, before settling at 8% in 2022. This fluctuation indicates potential "Transitional Community" characteristics, especially during the mid-2010s. The White population has remained relatively stable, hovering around 23-25% throughout the decade, contributing to the "Moderate Diversity" classification.
The most striking economic trend in Gravois Park is the significant increase in median income. From 2013 to 2019, the median income saw modest growth from $23,201 to $28,790. However, from 2019 to 2021, there was a dramatic increase to $41,950, followed by a slight decrease to $38,538 in 2022. This substantial income growth correlates with slight demographic shifts, particularly the decrease in the Black majority and the fluctuations in the Hispanic population. It is possible that this income growth is associated with an influx of higher-income residents, potentially contributing to neighborhood gentrification.
The population has remained relatively stable over the decade, fluctuating between about 5,100 and 5,700 residents. This stability suggests that the demographic and economic changes are more likely due to changes within the existing population or a gradual turnover of residents rather than a large-scale population shift.
The demographic trends in Gravois Park reflect broader national patterns of increasing diversity in urban areas. However, the neighborhood's maintenance of a strong Black majority sets it apart from many urban areas experiencing rapid diversification. The dramatic increase in median income, particularly from 2019 to 2021, outpaces national trends. This suggests localized factors, such as targeted economic development initiatives or changing neighborhood dynamics, may be at play. The stability of the White population percentage in Gravois Park contrasts with trends in many urban areas where White populations have declined. This stability, combined with income growth, might indicate a form of "managed diversity" where the neighborhood is becoming more economically diverse while maintaining a relatively stable racial composition.
Gravois Park presents a unique case of a historically Black-majority neighborhood experiencing significant economic growth while maintaining its overall demographic character. The challenge moving forward will be to ensure that this economic growth benefits long-term residents and preserves the neighborhood's cultural identity while welcoming new residents and businesses.
