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Demographic Analysis of Upper Vailsburg: A Predominantly Black Neighborhood in Newark, New Jersey
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Upper Vailsburg, a neighborhood in Newark, New Jersey, exhibits characteristics of a "Low Diversity" community with a strong "Racial Majority" of Black residents. As of 2022, the neighborhood has a population of 37,355 with a median income of $48,571. Upper Vailsburg is known for its historical significance as one of Newark's early streetcar suburbs, which has shaped its development and community character over time.
Over the past decade, Upper Vailsburg has consistently maintained its status as a "Low Diversity" community with a strong "Black Majority." The percentage of Black residents has remained above 85% throughout the period, with only slight fluctuations. The Hispanic population has shown a steady increase from 3% in 2013 to 8% in 2022, indicating a slow but consistent trend towards greater diversity. The percentage of residents identifying as two or more races has grown from 0% in 2013 to 3% in 2022, suggesting a gradual shift towards more complex racial identities.
The economic landscape of Upper Vailsburg has shown notable fluctuations over the past decade. The median income has experienced significant ups and downs, dropping from $48,244 in 2013 to a low of $40,176 in 2015, before gradually recovering and peaking at $56,091 in 2021. The sharp decrease in median income from 2021 to 2022 (from $56,091 to $48,571) suggests recent economic challenges. The population has fluctuated, with a notable increase from 32,714 in 2020 to 37,355 in 2022. This recent population growth coincides with the period of economic volatility, potentially indicating an influx of new residents seeking affordable housing options.
Upper Vailsburg's demographic makeup, with its strong Black majority, reflects broader patterns of racial segregation often seen in older urban areas in the northeastern United States. The median income in Upper Vailsburg, even at its peak, remains below the national median income (which was approximately $70,784 in 2021), highlighting the economic challenges faced by this community. The gradual increase in Hispanic and multiracial populations aligns with national trends of increasing diversity in urban areas, albeit at a slower pace in Upper Vailsburg compared to many other urban neighborhoods.
Upper Vailsburg remains a predominantly Black community with relatively low diversity. Subtle demographic shifts and economic fluctuations over the past decade suggest a neighborhood in slow transition. The community faces ongoing economic challenges but shows resilience in maintaining its population and gradual signs of increasing diversity. These trends warrant continued observation to understand their long-term impacts on the neighborhood's character and socio-economic landscape.
