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Demographic Analysis of Penn State Altoona: A Predominantly White Neighborhood
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Penn State Altoona, a neighborhood in Altoona, Pennsylvania, is categorized as a "Low Diversity" area. As of 2022, the white population constitutes 83% of the total. The neighborhood is home to Penn State Altoona campus, which influences its demographic composition and economic characteristics. The median income in 2022 was $57,720, reflecting the economy of a college town.
Over the past decade, Penn State Altoona has maintained its "Low Diversity" status, with the white population consistently representing over 75% of the total. However, subtle shifts towards increased diversity have occurred. The white population decreased from 88% in 2019 to 83% in 2022. The Hispanic population doubled from 3% in 2019 to 6% in 2022. The Black population remained stable at around 6% throughout the period. These changes indicate a slow but steady trend towards greater diversity.
The median income has shown significant growth over the decade. It increased from $37,457 in 2013 to $57,720 in 2022, representing a 54% increase. A notable increase occurred between 2016 and 2017, with income rising from $41,824 to $48,258. The highest median income was recorded in 2021 at $63,475. This economic growth coincides with the subtle increase in diversity, suggesting that the neighborhood may be attracting a more diverse population as economic opportunities improve.
Population trends show fluctuation. The population decreased from 1,589 in 2010 to 1,148 in 2021. However, there was a significant increase to 1,343 in 2022. This recent population growth, coupled with increasing diversity and rising incomes, may indicate a revitalization of the neighborhood, possibly linked to developments at Penn State Altoona.
The trends in Penn State Altoona reflect broader national patterns of increasing diversity in college towns. The significant income growth outpaces the national average, which could be attributed to the stabilizing influence of the university in the local economy. The recent population increase, following years of decline, might indicate a renewed interest in the area, possibly due to university expansion or local economic development initiatives. This trend, if continued, could accelerate the neighborhood's transition towards greater diversity in the coming years.
Penn State Altoona remains a "Low Diversity" area but shows signs of gradual change. The combination of increasing diversity, rising incomes, and recent population growth suggests a neighborhood in transition, likely influenced by its connection to the university. These trends may continue to reshape the community's demographic and economic landscape in the near future.
