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Demographic and Economic Trends in Waverly: A Black Majority Neighborhood in Baltimore
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Waverly, a neighborhood in Baltimore, Maryland, is characterized as a Black Majority community with a median income of $60,532 as of 2022. The neighborhood has experienced significant demographic and economic changes over the past decade. Waverly is known for hosting the 32nd Street Farmers Market, a community staple since 1980.
In 2013, Waverly was categorized as a Black Majority community, with 73% of the population identifying as Black. This classification remained consistent throughout the decade, with the Black population fluctuating between 62% and 84%. The community experienced a period of increased diversity between 2014 and 2019, with the White population reaching its peak at 23% in 2017. By 2022, the neighborhood had reverted to a stronger Black Majority, with 84% of the population identifying as Black.
The Hispanic population showed a gradual increase from 1% in 2013 to 5% in 2019, before declining to 1% in 2022. The demographic shifts in Waverly correlate with changes in median income. From 2013 to 2016, the median income decreased from $35,149 to $28,600. A significant upward trend in median income began in 2017, rising from $37,982 to $61,734 in 2021.
The sharpest increase in median income occurred between 2018 and 2019, jumping from $41,860 to $56,175, which coincided with the peak of racial diversity before the trend reversed towards a stronger Black Majority. Despite a slight decrease in median income from 2021 to 2022, the overall trend shows substantial economic improvement over the decade.
The demographic and economic trends in Waverly reflect broader patterns observed in many urban areas across the United States. The brief period of increased diversity (2014-2019) aligns with national trends of gentrification in urban neighborhoods. The subsequent reinforcement of the Black Majority by 2022 could indicate a resistance to gentrification or a renewed commitment to preserving the neighborhood's cultural identity.
The significant increase in median income, particularly from 2017 onwards, suggests an overall improvement in the economic conditions of the neighborhood's residents. The population has remained relatively stable over the decade, fluctuating between 2,540 and 2,891 residents, indicating that the neighborhood has maintained its appeal despite demographic and economic changes.
Waverly has demonstrated resilience as a predominantly Black community while experiencing notable economic growth. The neighborhood's ability to maintain its racial majority status while significantly increasing median income suggests a unique path of community development and economic progress.
