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Demographic and Economic Trends in Perkins Neighborhood: A Predominantly Black Community in Transition
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Perkins neighborhood in St. Petersburg, Florida, maintains a predominantly Black population, with 85% of residents identifying as Black in 2022. This demographic composition aligns with its historical significance as one of the oldest African American communities in St. Petersburg. The neighborhood has experienced substantial economic improvement over the past decade, with median income increasing from $27,528 in 2017 to $56,110 in 2022.
From 2013 to 2022, Perkins consistently maintained a Black Majority status. The Black population percentage remained between 90% and 98% from 2013 to 2021. In 2022, a shift occurred with the Black population decreasing to 85% and an increase in the Two or More Races category to 11%. This change suggests a potential transition towards increased diversity.
The neighborhood has undergone significant economic growth, particularly from 2017 onwards. The median income increased from $27,528 in 2017 to $56,249 in 2021, representing a 104% increase. This economic improvement coincides with recent demographic shifts, suggesting a possible correlation between increased diversity and economic prosperity. The population has fluctuated over the years, with a slight overall decline from 832 in 2017 to 763 in 2022.
The economic growth in Perkins is notable when compared to national trends. While the U.S. median household income increased by approximately 10% between 2017 and 2021, Perkins experienced a much more substantial rise of over 100%. This indicates accelerated economic development in the neighborhood compared to national averages.
The recent increase in racial diversity aligns with broader national trends towards increasing multiracial populations. The increase in the Two or More Races category from 1% in 2020 to 11% in 2022 is significant and may reflect both demographic changes and evolving perceptions of racial identity.
Perkins remains a predominantly Black neighborhood, which is significant given the historical context of St. Petersburg and ongoing national discussions about racial equity and community development. The economic improvements, coupled with the maintenance of a strong Black majority, could indicate successful community-driven development efforts or targeted economic initiatives.
In conclusion, while Perkins has historically been characterized by low diversity with a strong Black Majority, recent data suggests it may be entering a transitional phase. This shift, combined with significant economic improvements, indicates a neighborhood in flux, potentially moving towards greater diversity and prosperity while maintaining its historical cultural identity. Continued monitoring of these trends will be important to understand the long-term implications for community cohesion, economic opportunity, and potential gentrification pressures in this historically significant neighborhood.
