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Demographic and Racial Composition Analysis of Alton Park Neighborhood, Allentown, Pennsylvania
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Alton Park, a neighborhood in Allentown, Pennsylvania, is classified as a "Low Diversity" community with a "White Majority." As of 2022, the white population comprises 80% of the neighborhood, with a Hispanic presence of 17%. The area has experienced economic growth, with the median income increasing from $69,635 in 2019 to $91,878 in 2022. Alton Park is characterized by well-maintained parks and green spaces.
Over the past decade, Alton Park has maintained its "White Majority" status, with some fluctuations. The neighborhood approached "Moderate Diversity" around 2019 when the white population decreased to 72% and the Hispanic population reached 18%. This trend reversed by 2022, returning to "Low Diversity" status. The Hispanic population has shown the most significant change, growing from 10% in 2013 to 17% in 2022, indicating a gradual trend towards increased diversity.
The Black population increased slightly from 4% in 2013 to 6% in 2019 but decreased to 1% in 2022. The neighborhood has experienced significant economic growth, particularly in recent years. The median income increased from $69,635 in 2019 to $92,429 in 2020, a 32.7% increase, and reached $91,878 in 2022. This economic growth coincides with a strengthening of the white majority, which moved from 72% in 2019 to 80% in 2022.
The population has grown from 3,324 in 2019 to 4,422 in 2022, a 33% increase. This population growth, combined with rising incomes, suggests rapid development and possible gentrification.
The trends in Alton Park reflect broader national patterns of increasing suburban diversity, albeit at a slower pace. The economic growth in Alton Park outpaces national averages. The U.S. median household income grew by approximately 10% from 2019 to 2021, while Alton Park experienced growth of over 30% in the same period.
The neighborhood's demographic composition, with a strong white majority and growing Hispanic population, is typical of many Pennsylvania suburbs. However, the recent strengthening of the white majority contrasts with the trend of increasing diversity seen in many similar communities across the state and nation.
Alton Park presents a case of a neighborhood experiencing economic growth while maintaining a predominantly white community. The relationship between economic prosperity and demographic composition raises questions about equitable development and access to opportunities for all racial groups in the area.
