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Demographic Analysis of Squirrel Hill South: A White Majority Neighborhood with Increasing Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Squirrel Hill South in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a predominantly White Majority neighborhood with Moderate Diversity as of 2022. The white population comprises 72% of the community, with Asian residents at 12%, and Hispanic and Black populations at 5% each. The neighborhood is known for its Jewish community and has a median income of $77,820 in 2022.
Over the past decade, Squirrel Hill South has transitioned from Low Diversity to Moderate Diversity. In 2013, the white population was 80%, decreasing to 72% by 2022. The Asian population increased from 11% to 12%, while both Black and Hispanic populations grew from 1% and 3% respectively to 5% each. This shift indicates a Transitional Community with a trend towards increasing diversity.
The demographic changes in Squirrel Hill South correlate with positive economic trends. The median income increased from $65,598 in 2013 to $77,820 in 2022, a rise of 18.6%. This growth coincides with increasing diversity, suggesting the neighborhood is attracting affluent individuals from various racial backgrounds.
The population of Squirrel Hill South has remained relatively stable over the decade, fluctuating between 14,000 and 16,000 residents. This stability, combined with increasing diversity and rising incomes, may indicate a gradual turnover of residents rather than a rapid influx of new inhabitants.
The trends observed in Squirrel Hill South align with broader national patterns of increasing diversity in urban areas, particularly in university towns and technology hubs. The growth in the Asian population mirrors trends seen in many other affluent urban neighborhoods across the United States.
Squirrel Hill South's economic trajectory outpaces national averages. While the U.S. median household income grew by about 10% between 2013 and 2022 (adjusted for inflation), Squirrel Hill South's 18.6% growth indicates strong local economic factors.
The stability of the population size, coupled with increasing diversity and rising incomes, suggests that Squirrel Hill South is experiencing a "soft gentrification" process. This process is characterized by gradual demographic changes and economic uplift without significant displacement of existing residents.
Squirrel Hill South exemplifies a Transitional Community moving towards greater diversity while maintaining its economic strength. This evolution reflects broader urban trends but also highlights the neighborhood's ability to attract and retain a diverse, affluent population, likely due to its community institutions, proximity to universities, and overall quality of life.
