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Demographic and Racial Composition Analysis of Center City, Philadelphia
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Center City, Philadelphia is characterized as a neighborhood with Moderate Diversity, with no single racial group comprising a majority of the population. As of 2022, the area shows a distribution among White (33%), Black (33%), Asian (14%) residents, and Hispanic (12%) residents. The neighborhood has experienced economic growth, with median income rising from $34,146 in 2013 to $51,620 in 2022, a 51% increase. Center City is the central business district of Philadelphia, contributing to its diverse demographic makeup.
Over the past decade, Center City has undergone demographic changes. From 2013-2019, the neighborhood exhibited High Diversity, with Asian, Black, and White populations each representing 23-30% of residents. From 2020 onwards, there was a shift towards Moderate Diversity, with a more pronounced representation of Black and White residents. The Asian population experienced a decline from 29% in 2019 to 14% in 2020, maintaining this lower percentage through 2022.
The Black population increased from around 23-25% in earlier years to 33-35% in recent years, becoming one of the two largest racial groups in the neighborhood. The Hispanic population has remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 10-14% throughout the decade. The percentage of residents identifying as two or more races increased from 2% in 2013 to 6% in 2022.
The demographic shifts correlate with economic changes. Median income has shown consistent growth, rising from $34,146 in 2013 to $51,620 in 2022, a 51% increase. The population grew from 1,774 in 2013 to a peak of 2,081 in 2019, before declining to 1,667 in 2022. The recent decline coincides with the shift in racial composition, particularly the decrease in the Asian population. The increase in median income correlates with the rise in Black and White populations.
Center City's demographic and economic trends reflect broader urban patterns. The significant income growth is consistent with trends in many U.S. city centers experiencing revitalization. The abrupt changes in 2020, particularly the decline in the Asian population and overall population decrease, align with national trends related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The growth in multiracial identification mirrors national trends, as the U.S. census has reported increasing numbers of Americans identifying as multiracial. Despite recent population declines, the continued income growth suggests economic resilience.
Center City, Philadelphia has transitioned from a highly diverse to a moderately diverse neighborhood over the past decade, with economic growth. These changes reflect both local dynamics and broader national trends in urban demographics and economics. The area's ability to maintain economic growth despite demographic shifts demonstrates its resilience as an urban center.
