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Demographic and Economic Analysis of Riverfront: A Black Majority Neighborhood in Monroe, Louisiana
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Riverfront neighborhood in Monroe, Louisiana, is classified as a "Black Majority" community, with 68% of the population identifying as Black in 2022. This classification has remained consistent over the past decade, indicating a stable racial composition. The area has experienced significant fluctuations in median income, with a notable increase in recent years. Riverfront's location near the Ouachita River may influence its community dynamics and economic opportunities.
From 2013 to 2022, Riverfront maintained its status as a "Black Majority" community. The percentage of Black residents fluctuated between 49% and 71%, never falling below the majority threshold. In 2015, the neighborhood briefly approached a "Black Plurality" status, with the Black population at 49% and the White population at 46%. However, this shift was temporary, and the community quickly returned to a clear Black majority.
The White population experienced the most significant changes, ranging from 26% to 46% over the decade. Other racial groups maintained minimal representation, with slight increases in Asian and Hispanic populations in recent years, though still remaining below 1% each.
The median income in Riverfront showed a general upward trend, particularly in recent years. From 2013 to 2019, the median income fluctuated between $18,000 and $20,500, indicating relatively stable but low economic conditions. A significant increase occurred in 2020, reaching $27,061, followed by a peak of $32,113 in 2021, before slightly decreasing to $27,717 in 2022.
This economic improvement coincided with a slight increase in racial diversity, particularly the growth in Asian and Hispanic populations, albeit small. The population also fluctuated, with a notable peak in 2020 at 1,973 residents, aligning with the start of the significant income increase.
The persistent Black majority in Riverfront reflects broader demographic patterns in Monroe, which has a significant Black population. The recent economic improvements in Riverfront are noteworthy, as they outpace the average income growth rates seen in many similar urban neighborhoods across the Southern United States.
The slight increase in diversity aligns with national trends of increasing racial diversity in urban areas. However, Riverfront's changes are less pronounced compared to national averages, maintaining its status as a predominantly Black community.
The economic uplift seen in recent years, particularly the sharp increase in median income from 2020 to 2021, is significant and may indicate targeted economic development efforts or changes in the local job market. This trend is noteworthy given the broader economic challenges faced nationwide during the COVID-19 pandemic, suggesting that Riverfront may have experienced unique local factors contributing to its economic resilience and growth during this period.
In conclusion, while Riverfront has maintained its demographic character as a Black Majority community over the past decade, it has experienced notable economic improvements, particularly in recent years. These changes highlight the ongoing challenges of achieving greater racial diversity and sustained economic growth in historically marginalized urban neighborhoods.
