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Demographic and Racial Composition Changes in South Harrisburg, Pennsylvania: 2013-2022
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
South Harrisburg, a neighborhood in Pennsylvania's capital city, is characterized as a Majority-Minority community with Moderate Diversity as of 2022. The neighborhood has a population of 12,038 and a median income of $38,637. South Harrisburg is located near the State Capitol Complex and features historic Victorian-era architecture.
Over the past decade, South Harrisburg has maintained its Majority-Minority status, but experienced shifts in its demographic composition. In 2013, the neighborhood had a Black Plurality with 46% Black population and 24% Hispanic population. By 2022, the community transitioned to Moderate Diversity, with the Black population decreasing to 38%, the Hispanic population increasing to 27%, and the White population growing to 24%. The Asian population also increased from 4% in 2013 to 7% in 2022.
The economic landscape of South Harrisburg has fluctuated over the past decade. Median income increased from $29,103 in 2013 to $39,253 in 2019, representing a 35% increase. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, median income dropped to $33,105 in 2021. By 2022, there was a recovery to $38,637, approaching pre-pandemic levels.
The economic trends correlate with the demographic shifts. The initial increase in median income coincided with a slight increase in the White population and a decrease in the Black population, potentially indicating some gentrification. The more diverse racial composition in recent years has been accompanied by a recovery in median income, suggesting that increased diversity might contribute to economic resilience.
The trend towards increased diversity in South Harrisburg aligns with national trends in many urban areas, where minority populations are growing and communities are becoming more diverse. The median income in South Harrisburg ($38,637 in 2022) is lower than the national median household income (approximately $70,000 in 2021), indicating that the neighborhood faces economic challenges. The recovery of median income post-pandemic demonstrates resilience, but the neighborhood's economic vulnerability during crises is evident from the decline in 2021.
South Harrisburg is evolving from a predominantly Black neighborhood to a more diverse community, with growing Hispanic and Asian populations. While facing economic challenges, the neighborhood shows signs of resilience and recovery. These demographic and economic shifts may be reshaping the local culture, businesses, and community dynamics, potentially leading to both opportunities and challenges for long-time residents and newcomers.
