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Demographic and Economic Trends in West Park: A Study of Black Majority Neighborhood in Philadelphia
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
West Park, a neighborhood in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, exhibited a "Black Majority" demographic profile in 2022, with 58% of the population identifying as Black. The area has undergone significant demographic and economic changes over the past decade. West Park is home to the Philadelphia Zoo, America's first zoo.
In 2013, West Park was categorized as having "Moderate Diversity," with a distribution of 42% Black, 34% White, and 8% Asian. The neighborhood transitioned towards a "Black Majority" status, reaching this threshold by 2017 with 52% of the population identifying as Black. This shift continued, peaking in 2020 with 63% Black population, before decreasing to 58% in 2022. The Asian population fluctuated, rising from 8% in 2013 to 17% in 2020, then declining to 12% in 2022. The White population declined from 34% in 2013 to 15% in 2020, before increasing to 26% in 2022.
The median income in West Park increased from $20,712 in 2013 to $60,956 in 2022. This economic growth coincided with the shift towards a Black Majority demographic. The population remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 460 and 577 residents over the decade. The increase in median income from 2020 to 2022 (from $41,020 to $60,956) coincided with a slight reversal in the Black Majority trend and an increase in the White population percentage.
The demographic shifts in West Park reflect broader trends seen in many urban areas across the United States, where historically diverse or predominantly Black neighborhoods experience gentrification and demographic changes. The increase in median income outpaces national averages, suggesting a rapid economic transformation.
The stability in population numbers, despite significant economic changes, may indicate a constrained housing market or zoning restrictions limiting new development. This could potentially lead to displacement concerns as property values and rents likely increase with rising incomes.
West Park has transformed from a moderately diverse neighborhood to one with a Black Majority, while simultaneously experiencing significant economic growth. These changes present both opportunities and challenges for community cohesion, affordable housing, and maintaining the neighborhood's cultural identity amidst rapid economic development.
