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Demographic Analysis of Jackson Heights: A Study of Racial Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Jackson Heights, a neighborhood in Queens, New York, is classified as a "High Diversity" community. As of 2022, no single racial group exceeds 40% of the population. The Hispanic community represents 47%, the Asian community 27%, and the White community 20%. The neighborhood's multicultural composition is evident in its culinary scene, particularly along 74th Street, known as "Little India," which showcases South Asian and Latin American influences.
Over the past decade, Jackson Heights has maintained its "High Diversity" status. The Hispanic population decreased from 51% in 2015 to 47% in 2022. The Asian population remained between 26-28%. The White population increased from 19% in 2013 to 21% in 2021, then settled at 20% in 2022. The Black population increased from 1% to 2%. The Multiracial population grew from 1% to 3%. These changes indicate a gradual balancing of racial demographics.
The median income in Jackson Heights increased from $58,323 in 2013 to $68,591 in 2022, a 17.6% rise. This economic growth correlates with demographic shifts. The decrease in the Hispanic population percentage coincides with rising median incomes. The stability of the Asian population and slight increase in the White population may relate to the area's economic growth. The increase in multiracial individuals could indicate increasing socioeconomic integration and interracial families.
Jackson Heights' demographic evolution reflects trends seen in many urban areas across the United States, particularly in gateway cities like New York. The growth in the multiracial population aligns with national trends, as the U.S. Census reported a 276% increase in the multiracial population between 2010 and 2020. The rising median income and subtle shifts in racial composition are characteristic of gentrifying neighborhoods in many major U.S. cities. Despite changes, the strong presence of Hispanic and Asian communities demonstrates the enduring nature of immigrant enclaves in urban America.
Jackson Heights represents a microcosm of America's evolving urban landscape. Its maintenance of high diversity while experiencing economic growth demonstrates the potential for multicultural communities to thrive amidst changing socioeconomic conditions. The subtle demographic shifts highlight the ongoing challenges of maintaining affordability and preserving cultural identities in the face of urban development pressures.
