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Demographic Analysis of North Park, Buffalo: A White Majority Neighborhood with Increasing Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
North Park, a neighborhood in Buffalo, New York, is characterized as a White Majority community with moderate diversity. As of 2022, the white population comprises 72% of the neighborhood, with Black (14%) and Hispanic (9%) minorities. The median income of $64,942 in 2022 indicates a middle-class suburban area. North Park's proximity to Delaware Park, one of Buffalo's largest parks, likely contributes to its appeal and community character.
Over the past decade, North Park has maintained its status as a White Majority community, but with shifts towards increased diversity. In 2013, the neighborhood had Low Diversity, with the white population at 76% and only two other groups (Black at 14% and Hispanic at 6%) having significant representation. By 2022, the community had transitioned to Moderate Diversity, with increases in Hispanic, Asian, and multiracial populations.
The most significant changes include a decrease in the white population from 76% to 72%, an increase in the Hispanic population from 6% to 9%, growth in the multiracial category from 2% to 4%, and the emergence of a small but consistent Asian population (1-3%). These shifts suggest a gradual transition towards a more diverse community, though the pace of change is relatively slow compared to rapid demographic shifts seen in some urban areas.
The demographic changes in North Park correlate with fluctuations in median income. From 2013 to 2022, the median income increased from $57,384 to $64,942, a growth of about 13%. This increase suggests economic improvement, potentially attracting a more diverse population seeking suburban amenities with urban proximity.
The highest median income was recorded in 2021 at $69,923, coinciding with a slight dip in the Black population percentage and a peak in the white population percentage. This could indicate some economic disparities among racial groups or reflect broader economic trends related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The population has remained relatively stable over the decade, with minor fluctuations. The 2022 population of 16,442 is only slightly higher than the 2013 figure of 16,795, suggesting a stable community with gradual demographic changes rather than rapid turnover.
The trends observed in North Park align with broader national patterns of increasing diversity in suburban areas. Many U.S. suburbs have seen growth in minority populations, particularly Hispanic and Asian communities, over the past decade. However, North Park's changes are more gradual compared to some rapidly diversifying suburbs in major metropolitan areas.
The neighborhood's economic growth outpaces the national average for the same period, which saw about a 7% increase in median household income from 2013 to 2022 (adjusted for inflation). This suggests that North Park has maintained its economic attractiveness and potentially improved its position relative to national averages.
North Park represents a stable, gradually diversifying suburban community with steady economic growth. While it remains a White Majority area, the increasing representation of minority groups and the consistent rise in median income point to a slowly evolving demographic and economic landscape. These changes reflect broader national trends of suburban diversification but occur at a more measured pace, potentially allowing for smoother community integration and adaptation to changing demographics.
