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Demographic Analysis of Wells-Goodfellow: A Predominantly African American Neighborhood in St. Louis
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Wells-Goodfellow, a neighborhood in St. Louis, Missouri, is classified as a "Low Diversity" community with a "Racial Majority." As of 2022, the neighborhood has a 97% Black population, establishing it as a predominantly African American area. The median income in 2022 was $37,286, indicating a lower-middle-income community. Wells-Goodfellow has a history of strong community ties despite facing socioeconomic challenges typical of many urban neighborhoods in the Midwest.
Throughout the period from 2013 to 2022, Wells-Goodfellow has maintained its status as a "Low Diversity" neighborhood with a clear "Racial Majority." The Black population has remained dominant, fluctuating between 96% and 98%. This stability in racial composition suggests a deeply rooted African American community with little influx of other racial groups. The presence of other races has been minimal, with White residents consistently at 2% or less and negligible percentages for other groups.
The neighborhood has not experienced significant transitions between diversity categories over the decade. A slight increase in the White population from 1% to 2% occurred between 2017 and 2018, along with the emergence of a small Hispanic population (1%) and residents identifying as two or more races (1%) in the same period. These changes are minor but could potentially indicate the early stages of a "Transitional Community," though the shift is currently too small to be definitively categorized as such.
The economic trajectory of Wells-Goodfellow shows an upward trend. The median income has grown from $20,947 in 2013 to $37,286 in 2022, representing a 78% increase over nine years. This growth is noteworthy given the relatively stable racial composition, suggesting internal economic development rather than demographic change driving income increases.
The population has fluctuated over the years, declining from 6,410 in 2010 to a low of 5,222 in 2018, before rebounding to 5,904 in 2022. This population trend does not directly correlate with income growth, indicating that the economic improvements are likely due to factors such as job market changes, community development initiatives, or increased educational attainment among residents rather than an influx of higher-income newcomers.
The persistent racial homogeneity of Wells-Goodfellow contrasts with national trends towards increasing diversity in urban areas. Many U.S. cities have experienced growing diversity and gentrification in historically Black neighborhoods, often leading to displacement of long-term residents. Wells-Goodfellow's stability in racial composition, combined with rising incomes, suggests a pattern of community-based economic improvement without significant demographic shifts.
The income growth in Wells-Goodfellow is notable when compared to national trends. While the U.S. median household income grew by about 10% between 2013 and 2022 (adjusted for inflation), Wells-Goodfellow's 78% growth far outpaces this. However, the neighborhood started from a much lower base and still remains below national and likely regional averages.
Wells-Goodfellow presents a case of a predominantly African American neighborhood experiencing significant economic improvement while maintaining its racial character. This trajectory challenges common narratives about urban development and suggests the potential for community-driven economic growth without dramatic demographic changes.
