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Demographic and Economic Shifts in Over-The-Rhine: From Majority-Minority to White Plurality
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Over-The-Rhine, a neighborhood in Cincinnati, Ohio, experienced significant demographic and economic changes from 2013 to 2022. By 2022, it was categorized as a "Moderate Diversity" community with a White majority of 59% and a Black population of 31%. The neighborhood's median income increased from $30,173 in 2016 to $64,893 in 2022. Over-The-Rhine is notable for its collection of Italianate buildings, one of the largest in the United States.
Over-The-Rhine transitioned from a "Majority-Minority" community in 2013 to a "White Majority" community by 2020. From 2013 to 2016, the neighborhood was "Majority-Minority," with Black residents as the largest group (48% in 2013, decreasing to 44% by 2016) and the White population increasing from 40% to 45%. Between 2017 and 2019, the community entered a phase of "Moderate Diversity" with no single group holding a majority, but the White population became the plurality (46-49%). From 2020 to 2022, Over-The-Rhine became a "White Majority" community, with the White population surpassing 50% (53% in 2020, increasing to 59% by 2022) and the Black population decreasing to 31% by 2022.
The demographic changes in Over-The-Rhine correlated with significant economic growth. The median income increased from $23,959 in 2013 to $64,893 in 2022, a 170% increase. The neighborhood's population grew from 3,472 in 2010 to 6,401 in 2022, an 84% increase. The rapid income growth and demographic shifts may indicate potential displacement of lower-income residents, often minorities, as the area gentrifies.
The changes in Over-The-Rhine reflect broader trends seen in many urban areas across the United States. Many city centers have experienced renewed interest from young professionals and families, leading to demographic shifts and economic growth. The rapid increase in median income and shift in racial composition are consistent with gentrification patterns seen in cities like Brooklyn, NY, or Washington, D.C. The dramatic rise in median income may mask growing income inequality within the neighborhood, a trend observed in many rapidly gentrifying areas nationwide.
Over-The-Rhine has undergone a significant transformation from a predominantly minority, lower-income area to a more affluent, White-majority neighborhood. This change has brought economic growth but also raises questions about equity, affordability, and the preservation of community character that are common in rapidly changing urban areas across the United States.
