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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Overlook Park, a neighborhood in Allentown, Pennsylvania, exhibits characteristics of a Hispanic Majority community with a median income of $34,849 as of 2022. The neighborhood has undergone demographic shifts over the past decade, transitioning from a moderately diverse area to one dominated by a single racial group. Overlook Park was once home to a vibrant Italian-American community in the early 20th century, which has since transformed.
In 2013, Overlook Park was categorized as a Majority-Minority community with moderate diversity. The Hispanic population constituted 66% of the residents, with White residents making up 29% and Black residents 5%. By 2022, the Hispanic population had increased to 78%, while the White population decreased to 12%, and the Black population remained at 8%. This shift can be attributed to chain migration within the Hispanic community, possible gentrification in other areas of Allentown, and changes in local industries attracting Hispanic workers.
The median income in Overlook Park has fluctuated over the past decade. In 2013, it stood at $35,744, dropping to $26,261 in 2014 before gradually increasing to $45,903 in 2021. However, it fell again to $34,849 in 2022. These economic changes correlate with the demographic shifts. The initial drop in median income coincides with the increase in Hispanic population. The subsequent rise may indicate economic improvement within the Hispanic community or the arrival of more affluent Hispanic residents. The recent drop in 2022 could be related to broader economic challenges or changes in the local job market affecting the majority Hispanic population.
The population of Overlook Park has fluctuated, growing from 1,155 in 2013 to 1,604 in 2022, indicating a general trend of neighborhood growth despite economic fluctuations.
The demographic changes in Overlook Park reflect broader national trends of increasing Hispanic populations in urban areas. The extent of the shift in this neighborhood is more pronounced than national averages. While the U.S. Hispanic population grew by about 2% between 2010 and 2020, Overlook Park saw a 12% increase in its Hispanic population from 2013 to 2022.
The economic fluctuations in Overlook Park also mirror national trends to some extent. The neighborhood's median income in 2022 ($34,849) is lower than the national median household income of approximately $70,784 (as of 2021). This disparity highlights the economic challenges faced by predominantly Hispanic neighborhoods in many parts of the country.
Overlook Park has transformed from a moderately diverse, Majority-Minority community to a Hispanic Majority neighborhood over the past decade. This demographic shift has been accompanied by fluctuating economic conditions, reflecting both local dynamics and broader national trends in urban Hispanic communities. The neighborhood's evolution presents challenges and opportunities for community development and integration in the coming years.