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Demographic and Economic Trends in North Riverdale: A Black Majority Neighborhood
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
North Riverdale, a neighborhood in Dayton, Ohio, exhibits a Black Majority demographic composition with 61% of its population identifying as Black in 2022. The neighborhood has experienced economic fluctuations over the past decade, with a median income of $26,108 in 2022. This figure represents a decline from its peak of $34,077 in 2020, suggesting recent economic challenges. North Riverdale is located near the Great Miami River and contains a mix of residential and commercial areas, reflecting the broader urban landscape of Dayton.
Over the past decade, North Riverdale has consistently maintained its status as a Black Majority community. From 2013-2015, the neighborhood was close to transitioning from a Black Majority to a Majority-Minority status, with the Black population decreasing from 54% to 50%. From 2016-2018, a significant shift occurred, solidifying the Black Majority status, with the Black population increasing from 58% to 69%. From 2019-2022, the Black population stabilized around 60%, maintaining a clear Black Majority.
The White population has shown a consistent decline, from 32% in 2013 to 25% in 2022, while the Two or More Races category has seen growth, from 8% to 11% in the same period. This trend suggests a Transitional Community aspect, with increasing diversity within the Black Majority framework.
The neighborhood's economic trajectory has been volatile. From 2013-2018, median income fluctuated between $20,744 and $23,596, indicating economic instability. From 2019-2020, a significant economic upturn occurred, with median income rising from $26,580 to $34,077. From 2021-2022, a sharp decline followed, with median income dropping to $26,108 in 2022.
These economic shifts correlate with demographic changes. The period of increasing Black population (2016-2018) coincided with relatively low median incomes. The subsequent economic boom (2019-2020) aligns with a slight decrease in the Black population and an increase in racial diversity. This suggests that economic improvements may have attracted a more diverse population, albeit temporarily.
North Riverdale's demographic and economic trends reflect broader patterns observed in many urban areas across the United States. These include the persistence of racial segregation in urban neighborhoods, the economic vulnerability of predominantly Black neighborhoods, and the gradual increase in multiracial identities. However, North Riverdale's recent economic decline contrasts with the general post-pandemic economic recovery seen in many U.S. cities, suggesting localized challenges.
North Riverdale presents a complex picture of a Black Majority neighborhood experiencing subtle demographic shifts and significant economic fluctuations. While maintaining its core racial identity, the community shows signs of increasing diversity and faces ongoing economic challenges, reflecting both local dynamics and broader urban trends in America.
