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Demographic Analysis of West Parkside: A Predominantly Black Neighborhood in Philadelphia
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
West Parkside, a neighborhood in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, currently exhibits characteristics of Low Diversity with a predominantly Black population (92% in 2022). The neighborhood has experienced economic growth in recent years, with median income increasing from $23,909 in 2013 to $40,811 in 2022. West Parkside is located near Fairmount Park, one of the largest urban park systems in the United States.
Over the past decade, West Parkside has maintained its status as a Low Diversity neighborhood with a strong Black Majority. The Black population has remained above 80% throughout the period, peaking at 97% in 2013 and settling at 92% in 2022. There has been a small increase in racial diversity. The percentage of residents identifying as two or more races increased from 0% in 2013 to 5% in 2022, indicating a potential Transitional Community trend. Hispanic and White populations have maintained a small but consistent presence, usually around 1-2% each.
The economic landscape of West Parkside has undergone changes, correlating with subtle demographic shifts. Median income rose from $23,909 in 2013 to $56,938 in 2021, before settling at $40,811 in 2022. This overall upward trend suggests improving economic conditions. The population has fluctuated, dropping from 686 in 2010 to 517 in 2012, then rising to a peak of 865 in 2022. The increase in median income coincides with a slight increase in racial diversity, particularly the growth in multi-racial residents.
Unlike many urban neighborhoods experiencing rapid gentrification, West Parkside has maintained its predominantly Black population while seeing economic improvements. This is contrary to trends in many major cities where economic growth often leads to significant demographic changes. Despite the income growth, West Parkside's 2022 median income of $40,811 is still below the national median household income. This indicates that while progress has been made, economic disparities persist. The high percentage of Black residents (92% in 2022) is above the national average for urban areas, suggesting that West Parkside remains a distinctly African American community in an era of increasing urban diversity.
West Parkside presents a case of a neighborhood experiencing economic growth while largely maintaining its racial composition. The small increases in diversity, coupled with income improvements, suggest a community in transition, albeit at a slower pace than many urban areas. This balance between economic development and community preservation could offer insights for urban planners and policymakers seeking to improve neighborhoods without displacing long-term residents.
