Loading Content...
Demographic Analysis of Libbytown: A Study of Racial Composition and Income Trends
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Libbytown, a neighborhood in Portland, Maine, exhibits a Low Diversity demographic profile with a White Majority of 88% in 2022. The neighborhood's population is 1,783 with a median income of $54,081 as of 2022. Libbytown is located near major transportation routes and has historically been a working-class neighborhood with mixed residential and commercial areas.
Over the past decade, Libbytown has maintained its status as a White Majority community, with fluctuations in diversity levels. From 2013 to 2016, the neighborhood showed signs of transitioning towards Moderate Diversity, with the percentage of white residents decreasing from 80% to 70%, while the Black population increased from 6% to 12%, and the Two or More Races category rose to 10%. From 2017 to 2019, the community reverted to a stronger White Majority, with white residents comprising 73-80% of the population. From 2020 to 2022, the trend towards Low Diversity intensified, with the white population increasing from 81% to 88%, while other racial groups declined.
The median income in Libbytown has shown considerable volatility. From 2013 to 2015, income rose from $43,802 to $60,429, then declined to $48,596. From 2016 to 2019, there was a period of relative stability around $44,000-$47,000. From 2020 to 2022, there were significant fluctuations, peaking at $61,215 in 2021 before settling at $54,081 in 2022. The period of greatest racial diversity (2014-2016) coincided with some of the higher median income levels. However, the recent trend towards Low Diversity has also seen an overall increase in median income, suggesting that economic factors may be influencing demographic changes.
The demographic trends in Libbytown contrast with national trends towards increasing diversity. While many urban areas across the U.S. have seen growing minority populations and increased racial mixing, Libbytown has become less diverse over time. This could indicate broader gentrification processes or changes in local housing policies that may be influencing who can afford to live in the neighborhood.
The economic volatility seen in Libbytown is not uncommon in many urban neighborhoods across the U.S., especially following the 2008 financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the overall upward trend in median income, particularly in recent years, suggests that the neighborhood may be experiencing some level of economic growth or gentrification.
Libbytown presents a case of a neighborhood that has resisted national trends towards increasing diversity, instead becoming more homogeneous over time. This demographic shift, coupled with rising median incomes, may indicate changing neighborhood dynamics that could have implications for long-term community cohesion and affordability for diverse populations.
