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Demographic and Racial Composition Analysis of East Akron Neighborhood
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
East Akron, a neighborhood in Akron, Ohio, is characterized as a Moderate Diversity community with a Black Plurality. As of 2022, the Black population comprises 45% of residents, while the White population accounts for 38%. The neighborhood faces economic challenges, with a median income of $31,889 in 2022, which is below the national average. East Akron has historical significance in the rubber industry, having been home to many workers employed by Akron's tire companies.
Over the past decade, East Akron has maintained its Moderate Diversity status, with some notable shifts. In 2013, the neighborhood was closer to having a Black Majority, with 48% of the population identifying as Black. This percentage has fluctuated, dropping to 44% in 2021 before increasing to 45% in 2022. The White population has remained relatively stable, ranging from 37-40% throughout the decade.
The neighborhood has experienced a gradual increase in diversity, with growing representation from other racial groups. The Asian population increased from 1% in 2013 to 2% in 2022, peaking at 6% in 2020. The Hispanic population grew from 1% to 4% over the same period. The "Two or More Races" category has remained consistent at around 5-7%, indicating a stable multiracial presence in the community.
The median income in East Akron has shown a generally positive trend over the past decade, rising from $21,348 in 2013 to $31,889 in 2022, representing an increase of about 49%. This growth has not been linear, with fluctuations including a notable dip to $21,420 in 2016, followed by a recovery and steady growth thereafter.
Despite the overall increase in median income, the neighborhood's population has declined from 11,859 in 2013 to 10,187 in 2022, a decrease of about 14%. This population decline, coupled with income growth, may suggest a complex interplay of factors such as gentrification, out-migration of lower-income residents, or improved economic conditions for those who remained.
The demographic trends in East Akron reflect broader national patterns of increasing diversity in urban areas. However, the neighborhood's economic trajectory, while positive, still lags behind national averages. The median household income for the United States in 2022 was approximately $70,784, more than double that of East Akron.
The population decline in East Akron is noteworthy when compared to national trends. While many urban areas have seen population growth over the past decade, East Akron's shrinking population suggests local challenges that may be driving residents away, possibly related to job opportunities or quality of life factors.
The increasing diversity in East Akron, particularly the growth in Asian and Hispanic populations, aligns with national trends of growing minority populations in urban areas. However, the relatively stable Black plurality in East Akron distinguishes it from some other urban areas that have experienced more dramatic shifts in racial composition.
East Akron presents a picture of a neighborhood in transition, grappling with economic challenges while gradually becoming more diverse. The interplay between demographic shifts and economic trends suggests a complex urban landscape, where improvements in median income coexist with population decline and persistent economic disparities compared to national averages.
