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Demographic and Economic Trends in Polish Hill: A Predominantly White Neighborhood in Pittsburgh
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Polish Hill, a neighborhood in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, exhibits characteristics of Low Diversity with a White Majority. In 2022, 84% of its population identified as white. The neighborhood's median income has increased over the past decade, reaching $57,231 in 2022. Polish Hill has historical roots in Polish immigrant communities, contributing to its unique cultural heritage within Pittsburgh.
Throughout the period from 2013 to 2022, Polish Hill maintained a White Majority status, with the white population percentage ranging from 79% to 87%. The white population percentage peaked at 87% in 2019-2020, decreasing to 84% by 2022. A small increase in racial diversity occurred, particularly in the "Two or More Races" category, which grew from 3% in 2013 to 6% in 2022. The Black population remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 6-8% throughout the decade. The Hispanic population decreased from 5% in 2013 to 1% in 2022.
The neighborhood experienced significant economic growth over the past decade. Median income increased from $45,668 in 2013 to $57,231 in 2022, a growth of about 25%. A notable increase in median income occurred between 2019 and 2021, rising from $57,773 to $64,284, before slightly decreasing in 2022. This economic growth coincided with a decrease in population, from 1,597 in 2013 to 1,314 in 2022.
The increase in median income, coupled with a decrease in population, suggests a possible gentrification trend. This economic shift may be influencing the subtle changes in racial demographics, potentially attracting a more diverse, higher-income population while displacing some long-term residents.
Polish Hill's trends can be contextualized within broader national patterns. The increase in racial diversity aligns with national trends towards increasing diversity in urban areas. The economic growth in Polish Hill outpaces the national average, which saw median household income grow by about 10% between 2013 and 2022. The decrease in population contrasts with the growth seen in many urban areas, suggesting that Polish Hill may be experiencing unique local factors affecting its demographic composition.
While Polish Hill remains a predominantly white, low-diversity neighborhood, subtle shifts in both racial demographics and economic indicators suggest it may be in the early stages of a transition. The interplay between rising incomes, decreasing population, and slight increases in diversity points to potential gentrification processes that could reshape the neighborhood's character in the coming years. These changes may present both opportunities and challenges for maintaining the area's cultural heritage while fostering a more diverse and economically vibrant community.
