Loading Content...
Demographic and Racial Composition of Central Lawrenceville: A Study of Low Diversity and White Majority
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Central Lawrenceville, a neighborhood in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is categorized as Low Diversity with a white population of 83% in 2022. The neighborhood has experienced economic growth over the past decade, with median income increasing from $51,961 in 2013 to $70,880 in 2022. The area is known for its arts scene and rejuvenated commercial district along Butler Street.
Central Lawrenceville has maintained Low Diversity status throughout the analyzed period, with the white population consistently representing over 75% of residents. The white population was 82% in 2013, peaked at 91% in 2018 and 2019, and decreased to 83% by 2022. The black population decreased from 10% in 2013 to 2% in 2017, before stabilizing around 6% in recent years. Asian and Hispanic populations have gradually increased, representing 3% and 4% respectively in 2022. The population identifying as two or more races doubled from 2% in 2013 to 4% in 2022.
The demographic shifts in Central Lawrenceville correlate with economic changes. Median income increased by 36.4% from 2013 to 2022. The period of highest income growth (2015-2019) coincides with the years of highest white population percentage. The slight decrease in the white population percentage and increase in diversity since 2019 correlates with continued, though more modest, income growth. Population has remained relatively stable, increasing slightly from 4,615 in 2013 to 4,773 in 2022.
The trends observed in Central Lawrenceville align with patterns seen in many urban neighborhoods across the United States. The neighborhood's gentrification process, characterized by rising incomes and a period of increasing white population, is similar to trends seen in other revitalizing urban areas. The recent slight increase in diversity, even as incomes continue to rise, may reflect a national trend towards more diverse, affluent urban neighborhoods. The stable population despite rising incomes suggests that housing stock may be limited, potentially leading to displacement of lower-income residents. The significant income growth (36.4% over 9 years) outpaces the national average, which saw about a 20% increase in median household income over a similar period.
Central Lawrenceville represents a case of a historically white, working-class neighborhood undergoing economic revitalization. While it remains categorized as Low Diversity, there are signs of a slow trend towards increased racial and ethnic diversity. The challenge for the future will be maintaining this trend towards diversity while addressing potential issues of affordability and displacement that often accompany such significant economic growth.
