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Demographic Analysis of Plum Orchard: A Predominantly Black Neighborhood in New Orleans
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Plum Orchard, a neighborhood in New Orleans, Louisiana, is characterized as a "Low Diversity" community with a "Black Majority." As of 2022, 90% of the population identifies as Black, with a Hispanic presence of 8%. The neighborhood has experienced population growth and economic changes over the past decade, with the median income increasing from $23,757 in 2013 to $34,327 in 2022. Plum Orchard has rebuilt and revitalized following Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
Throughout the period from 2013 to 2022, Plum Orchard has maintained its status as a "Low Diversity" community with a "Black Majority." The Black population percentage has remained above 90% for most of this period, reaching 96% in 2018 and 2019. There are indications of a gradual shift towards increased diversity. The Hispanic population has grown from 4% in 2013 to 8% in 2022. Since 2021, there has been a 2% presence of individuals identifying as two or more races. The small White population has disappeared by 2022.
The economic landscape of Plum Orchard has changed in correlation with its demographic shifts. The median income has increased from $23,757 in 2013 to $34,327 in 2022, a 44.5% increase over nine years. The population has grown from 3,799 in 2013 to 6,050 in 2022, a 59.3% increase. There were periods of economic decline, particularly between 2014 and 2017, where median income dropped from $24,148 to $19,578. A significant economic upturn occurred between 2019 and 2021, with median income increasing from $26,402 to $38,956, before slightly declining in 2022.
The economic growth appears to correlate with the gradual increase in diversity, particularly the growth of the Hispanic population and the emergence of multiracial identities. This suggests that increased diversity might be contributing to economic vitality in the neighborhood.
Plum Orchard's demographic makeup is atypical for the United States as a whole but not uncommon for certain neighborhoods in New Orleans. The economic growth in Plum Orchard places it below the national median household income, which was approximately $70,784 in 2021. The neighborhood's growth rate outpaces many other areas, possibly reflecting ongoing recovery and revitalization efforts in New Orleans post-Katrina.
The increase in the Hispanic population aligns with broader national trends of growing Hispanic communities in urban areas. The emergence of multiracial identities reflects a national trend, as more Americans report multiple racial heritages.
Plum Orchard remains a predominantly Black community with low diversity. Subtle demographic shifts and economic improvements over the past decade suggest a neighborhood in transition. These changes, influenced by broader recovery efforts in New Orleans and national demographic trends, indicate a community that is evolving while maintaining its strong African American identity.
