Loading Content...
Demographic Transition in Smokey Hollow: From Moderate Diversity to White Majority
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Smokey Hollow, a neighborhood in Youngstown, Ohio, has experienced a demographic shift from 2013 to 2022. The area transitioned from a moderately diverse community to a White Majority neighborhood. In 2022, the population was 357 residents within a 0.2 square mile area. The median income was $12,347, indicating a working-class community below the national average. Smokey Hollow is historically significant as one of Youngstown's oldest neighborhoods.
The racial composition of Smokey Hollow changed notably over the past decade. In 2013, the neighborhood had a nearly even split between White (47%) and Black (42%) residents. By 2022, the community had shifted to a White Majority status, with 59% of residents identifying as White. Between 2013 and 2016, the community fluctuated between Moderate Diversity and Majority-Minority status. From 2017 onwards, there was a steady increase in the White population.
The Hispanic population remained relatively stable at 6-7% throughout the decade. The Asian population maintained a consistent presence of 2-4%. The demographic shifts correlated with modest improvements in median income. The median income increased from $11,196 in 2013 to $12,347 in 2022, representing a 10.3% increase. However, this growth was not consistent, with fluctuations observed throughout the years.
The shift towards a White Majority coincided with a general upward trend in median income, particularly from 2018 onwards. This suggests a potential relationship between the changing racial composition and economic conditions. Population figures show an overall increase from 320 in 2013 to 357 in 2022, peaking at 419 in 2019. This population growth, coupled with racial shifts and income changes, may indicate a period of neighborhood transition.
The demographic changes in Smokey Hollow reflect broader trends seen in many Rust Belt cities, where post-industrial economic shifts have led to population changes and neighborhood transformations. The increase in the White population percentage, coupled with modest income growth, could be indicative of early-stage gentrification. Despite these changes, Smokey Hollow's median income remains significantly below both state and national averages, suggesting ongoing economic challenges typical of former industrial urban areas in the Midwest.
The relatively stable Hispanic population percentage in Smokey Hollow contrasts with national trends, which have generally shown increasing Hispanic populations in urban areas. This could indicate that Youngstown, and Smokey Hollow in particular, may not be a primary destination for Hispanic migration compared to other urban areas in the country. Smokey Hollow's evolution over the past decade showcases a community in transition, moving from a moderately diverse area to a White Majority neighborhood with modest economic improvements.
