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Demographic and Economic Trends in Old North St. Louis: A Predominantly Black Neighborhood
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
DATA SOURCE
United States Census Bureau: American Community Survey Data (ACS)
Old North St. Louis, a neighborhood in St. Louis, Missouri, exhibits characteristics of a Black Majority community with economic challenges. As of 2022, the neighborhood has a population of 1,304 and a median income of $25,903, which is below the national average. This area is one of the oldest neighborhoods in St. Louis, known for its 19th-century architecture and revitalization efforts.
Over the past decade, Old North St. Louis has maintained its status as a Black Majority community. The percentage of Black residents increased from 68% in 2013 to 80% in 2022. The White population decreased from 29% to 18% during the same period. This trend suggests an intensification of racial homogeneity. The Hispanic population remained stable at around 1-2%, while other racial groups maintained minimal representation. A small but growing Two or More Races category (2% in 2022) emerged.
The median income in Old North St. Louis has shown volatility over the past decade. From 2013 to 2019, there was an increase from $17,393 to $29,395. However, income dropped to $20,274 in 2021 before rebounding to $25,903 in 2022. This economic instability correlates with the neighborhood's demographic shifts. The population experienced a gradual decline from 1,691 in 2013 to 1,304 in 2022, indicating potential out-migration.
The trends observed in Old North St. Louis mirror broader national patterns of racial and economic segregation in urban areas. Many historically Black neighborhoods across the United States have experienced similar challenges with economic instability and population decline. The slight increase in median income from 2021 to 2022, despite the ongoing population decrease, might indicate the beginning of a potential economic recovery or gentrification process.
The persistence of a Black majority in this neighborhood, despite economic challenges, may reflect strong community ties and cultural significance of the area to its residents. However, the economic volatility and population decline suggest that the neighborhood may be at a critical juncture, facing pressures of disinvestment or potential future gentrification.
Old North St. Louis presents a complex picture of a historically significant, predominantly Black neighborhood grappling with economic challenges and gradual population loss. While maintaining its demographic character, the area shows signs of potential future changes, whether through increased diversity or economic shifts, which could impact its community fabric in the coming years.
