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Demographic and Economic Trends in Baltimore's Hillen Neighborhood: A Predominantly Black Community
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Hillen neighborhood in Baltimore, Maryland, is classified as a "Black Majority" community with a median income of $59,062 as of 2022. This neighborhood has consistently maintained its status as a predominantly Black area throughout the analyzed period, falling under the "Low Diversity" category due to the Black population consistently exceeding 75% of the total. Hillen's proximity to Morgan State University, a prominent Historically Black College and University (HBCU), likely influences the neighborhood's demographic composition.
Throughout the 2013-2022 period, Hillen has remained in the "Black Majority" and "Low Diversity" categories. The Black population has consistently represented between 74-80% of the total, with minor fluctuations. A slight trend towards increased diversity is observed, with the White population growing from 10% in 2013 to 14% in 2022, and small increases in Hispanic and Asian populations. These changes, however, are not substantial enough to shift the neighborhood out of its "Low Diversity" classification.
The median income in Hillen has experienced notable fluctuations over the past decade. From 2013 to 2016, there was a significant decline from $53,934 to $42,983. However, from 2016 onwards, a general upward trend is observed, with the median income reaching $59,062 in 2022. This represents a 37% increase from the 2016 low point, suggesting economic recovery and potential gentrification.
As the median income has increased, the population has decreased from 1,576 in 2013 to 1,285 in 2022. This could indicate that while the neighborhood is becoming more affluent, it is also becoming less dense, possibly due to housing changes or demographic shifts.
The persistent "Black Majority" status of Hillen aligns with broader trends in Baltimore, which has a significant Black population. The neighborhood's increasing median income, especially since 2016, may be outpacing city-wide trends. This could suggest localized factors influencing economic growth, such as proximity to Morgan State University or targeted urban development initiatives.
The slight increase in diversity, particularly the growth in the White population, might reflect broader gentrification trends seen in many urban areas across the United States. However, the changes are less pronounced in Hillen compared to rapidly gentrifying neighborhoods in other major cities.
The economic recovery observed in Hillen since 2016 is notable, especially considering the challenges faced by many urban areas during this period, including the COVID-19 pandemic. This resilience could be attributed to the stabilizing presence of the nearby university or other local economic drivers.
In conclusion, while Hillen has maintained its status as a "Black Majority" and "Low Diversity" neighborhood, it has experienced significant economic fluctuations and a gradual trend towards slightly increased diversity. These changes, coupled with a decreasing population, suggest a neighborhood in transition, potentially moving towards higher economic status while still maintaining its core demographic character.
