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Demographic and Economic Trends in South Paterson: A Hispanic Majority Neighborhood
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
South Paterson, a neighborhood in Paterson, New Jersey, exhibits characteristics of a Hispanic Majority community with moderate diversity. As of 2022, the Hispanic population comprises 62% of the area. The neighborhood has experienced economic growth in recent years, with the median income rising from $32,587 in 2015 to $49,653 in 2022. South Paterson is known for its Middle Eastern community and is referred to as "Little Istanbul" due to its concentration of Turkish-American businesses and cultural institutions.
Over the past decade, South Paterson has transitioned from a Majority-Minority community to a Hispanic Majority area. In 2013, the neighborhood was characterized by a Hispanic Plurality (56%), with significant White (33%) and smaller Black and Asian populations. By 2022, the Hispanic population had grown to 62%, solidifying its majority status. This shift appears to be part of a consistent trend, with the Hispanic population steadily increasing over the years.
The White population has experienced a gradual decline, from 33% in 2013 to 30% in 2022. The Black population has seen a slight increase from 4% to 7% over the same period, while the Asian population has decreased from 3% to nearly 0%. These changes suggest a Transitional Community, with the Hispanic population becoming increasingly dominant.
The demographic shifts in South Paterson correlate with economic trends. The median income has shown fluctuations over the years, with an increase from $32,587 in 2015 to $57,629 in 2021, followed by a decrease to $49,653 in 2022. Despite this recent dip, the overall trend shows economic improvement over the decade.
The period of most rapid Hispanic population growth (2015-2022) coincides with the period of most significant income growth. This could suggest that the influx of Hispanic residents has contributed to economic vitality in the area. The population of South Paterson has remained relatively stable over the decade, with minor fluctuations.
The demographic shifts in South Paterson reflect broader trends seen in many urban areas across the United States, where Hispanic populations have been growing rapidly. The economic growth in South Paterson outpaces national averages. The median household income in the U.S. grew from $53,889 in 2015 to $70,784 in 2021, an increase of about 31%. In comparison, South Paterson's median income grew by nearly 77% in the same period.
The transition to a Hispanic Majority community while maintaining a significant White population and increasing Black representation sets South Paterson apart from many areas that experience more extreme racial transitions. This suggests that the neighborhood has managed to integrate new Hispanic residents while retaining much of its existing diversity.
South Paterson's evolution over the past decade demonstrates a community in transition, characterized by increasing Hispanic representation, improving economic conditions, and maintained diversity. These changes present opportunities and challenges for community cohesion, cultural preservation, and economic development in the years to come.
