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Demographic and Economic Trends in Near North Riverfront: A Predominantly Black Neighborhood
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Near North Riverfront in St. Louis, Missouri, is a predominantly Black neighborhood with low diversity. As of 2022, the Black population comprises 86% of the area, with a median income of $32,039. This income level, while showing improvement over the past decade, still falls below the national median, indicating economic challenges. The neighborhood's proximity to the Mississippi River has historically influenced its industrial character and economic opportunities.
Over the past decade, Near North Riverfront has maintained its status as a Black Majority community. From 2013 to 2017, the Black population remained stable at around 81-83%. In 2018-2019, there was an increase to 88%, followed by a slight decrease to 86% in 2022. The White population has fluctuated, peaking at 18% in 2017, dropping to 11% in 2018-2019, and rebounding to 12-15% in recent years.
The median income in Near North Riverfront has shown an upward trend over the past decade. In 2013, the median income was $19,417. By 2022, it had increased to $32,039, representing a 65% increase over nine years. The period of highest Black population percentage (2018-2019) coincided with a significant increase in median income, from $22,301 in 2017 to $31,252 in 2019.
Population trends show a general decline from 3,257 in 2013 to 2,228 in 2022, a decrease of about 32%. This population loss could be influencing both racial composition and economic indicators, possibly reflecting outmigration of certain demographic groups.
The income growth in Near North Riverfront, while significant, likely still leaves the neighborhood below both St. Louis and national median income levels. The persistent Black Majority status of the neighborhood contrasts with national trends of increasing diversity in many urban areas. The population decline observed here is consistent with broader trends seen in many Rust Belt cities, including parts of St. Louis, which have faced economic challenges and population loss in recent decades.
Near North Riverfront presents a picture of a neighborhood that has maintained its racial character as a Black Majority community while experiencing gradual economic improvement. However, the ongoing population decline suggests that the neighborhood continues to face challenges in retaining residents, which could have long-term implications for its demographic composition and economic vitality.
