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Demographic Analysis of St. Bernard Area, New Orleans: A Predominantly Black Neighborhood
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The St. Bernard Area of New Orleans, Louisiana, exhibits a low diversity demographic profile with a racial majority of Black residents comprising 91% of the population as of 2022. This neighborhood has experienced changes in population growth and economic fluctuations over the past decade. The area has shown resilience and undergone redevelopment efforts following Hurricane Katrina in 2005, which impacted its demographic and economic landscape.
Throughout the period from 2013 to 2022, the St. Bernard Area has maintained its status as a low diversity community with a Black majority. The percentage of Black residents has remained above 88% during this period, with minor fluctuations. The Hispanic population increased from 0% in 2013 to a peak of 6% in 2019, before declining to 3% in 2022. The White population remained between 2-4% until 2022, when it increased to 6%. The category of two or more races emerged in 2017, maintaining a small but consistent presence of 1-3% since then.
The median income in the St. Bernard Area has shown volatility over the past decade. From 2013 to 2016, it declined from $23,067 to $19,257. From 2017 to 2020, it gradually increased to $27,215. In 2021-2022, there was a sharp increase to $33,607. The population has grown from 1,536 in 2013 to 2,759 in 2022, suggesting ongoing redevelopment and potential gentrification pressures.
The St. Bernard Area's demographic and economic trends reflect patterns observed in many urban areas post-natural disaster. The significant population growth from 2013 onwards is likely tied to rebuilding efforts following Hurricane Katrina. This pattern of gradual repopulation and redevelopment is common in disaster-affected urban areas.
The recent sharp increase in median income, coupled with the slight increase in White residents and overall population growth, may indicate the early stages of gentrification. This phenomenon is often observed in historically underserved urban neighborhoods undergoing redevelopment.
Despite slight diversification, the area's continued low diversity status contrasts with national trends towards increasing racial diversity in urban areas. This persistence may be attributed to historical patterns of segregation in New Orleans and the specific dynamics of post-Katrina resettlement.
The fluctuations in median income, particularly the sharp recent increase, suggest a changing economic landscape that may be influenced by both local redevelopment efforts and broader economic trends affecting low-income urban communities.
While the St. Bernard Area has maintained its status as a predominantly Black, low-diversity neighborhood over the past decade, subtle demographic shifts and significant economic changes suggest a community in transition. The interplay between post-disaster recovery, potential gentrification pressures, and persistent racial homogeneity presents a complex picture of urban change that merits continued observation and analysis.
