Loading Content...
Demographic Analysis of Northview Heights: A Predominantly Black Neighborhood in Pittsburgh
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Northview Heights, a neighborhood in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, exhibits a clear racial majority with 81% of its population identifying as Black in 2022. The neighborhood is categorized as low diversity, with minimal representation from other racial groups. Economically, Northview Heights faces challenges, with a median income of $22,537 in 2022, which is below the national average. This area is known for its public housing developments and has been the focus of urban renewal efforts in recent years.
Over the past decade, Northview Heights has maintained its status as a Black majority neighborhood, with the Black population ranging from 73% to 84% between 2013 and 2022. The neighborhood has fluctuated between low diversity and borderline moderate diversity categories. In some years, the White population approached 20%, potentially indicating periods of slightly increased diversity. There has been a gradual decline in the White population from 18% in 2013 to 12% in 2022, further solidifying the neighborhood's low diversity status in recent years.
The Hispanic population has fluctuated, peaking at 6% in 2016 but dropping to 0% by 2022, suggesting a transient Hispanic community. A notable increase in the "Two or More Races" category from 1% to 6% between 2021 and 2022 could indicate the beginnings of a transitional community, potentially moving towards slightly higher diversity in the future.
The economic trajectory of Northview Heights shows a complex relationship with its demographic composition. Median income has increased from $18,305 in 2013 to $22,537 in 2022, representing a 23% rise. However, this growth has not been consistent, with fluctuations throughout the decade. The peak median income of $25,555 in 2019 coincided with the highest percentage of Black residents (81%) in the analyzed period, suggesting that economic improvements did not necessarily lead to increased diversity.
Despite the overall increase in median income, the neighborhood remains economically challenged, with incomes well below city and national averages. The population has grown from 1,798 in 2013 to 2,171 in 2022, a 20.7% increase. This growth, coupled with the persistent low diversity, suggests that the neighborhood is attracting or retaining primarily Black residents, possibly due to affordable housing options or community ties.
The persistent low income levels in Northview Heights contrast with the general trend of economic growth seen in many urban areas over the past decade. The stable Black majority in Northview Heights differs from trends in many urban areas, which have often seen increasing diversity or gentrification leading to demographic shifts. The recent increase in multi-racial identification (6% in 2022) aligns with national trends, where more Americans are identifying as multi-racial in recent years.
Northview Heights presents a picture of a stable, predominantly Black community that has seen modest economic improvements over the past decade. While it remains categorized as a low diversity area with a clear racial majority, recent shifts in multi-racial identification and historical fluctuations in minority populations suggest potential for gradual diversification in the future. The neighborhood's economic challenges persist despite some income growth, indicating a need for continued focus on economic development and opportunity expansion for its residents.
