Loading Content...
Demographic and Racial Composition of Gowanus, Brooklyn: A White Majority Neighborhood in Transition
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Gowanus, a neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York, exhibits a White Majority demographic composition with a median household income of $116,053 as of 2022. This places it above the national median income, indicating a relatively affluent community. Gowanus is characterized by its industrial past and ongoing gentrification, transforming from a working-class, industrial zone into a mixed-use neighborhood.
Over the past decade, Gowanus has maintained its status as a White Majority community, with the white population consistently representing over 50% of residents. The white population stood at 55% in 2013, increased to 58% in 2017, and declined to 53% by 2022. The Hispanic population, the second-largest group, decreased from 28% in 2013 to 24% in 2022. The Asian population grew from 7% in 2013 to 10% in 2022. The Black population remained relatively stable, between 6-8% throughout the decade.
The demographic shifts in Gowanus have occurred alongside economic changes. Median income rose from $89,292 in 2013 to $116,053 in 2022, an increase of about 30% over nine years. This income growth outpaced inflation for the same period. The population grew from 8,904 in 2013 to 9,663 in 2022, suggesting increased desirability of the area.
The rising incomes and growing population, coupled with the maintenance of a White Majority status, suggest continued gentrification in Gowanus. The slight increase in diversity, particularly the growth of the Asian population, may be linked to an influx of high-earning professionals from various backgrounds attracted by the neighborhood's transformation and proximity to Manhattan.
The trends observed in Gowanus align with broader patterns seen in many urban areas across the United States, particularly in major cities like New York. Gentrification of former industrial areas is a common phenomenon in many U.S. cities, often leading to increased property values and higher-income residents. The gradual increase in diversity, particularly the growth of Asian populations, is consistent with national trends in urban areas, often associated with immigration and changing economic opportunities. The significant income growth in Gowanus outpaces national averages, reflecting the neighborhood's position in one of the country's most expensive and economically dynamic cities.
In conclusion, Gowanus has maintained its White Majority status over the past decade, with subtle shifts towards increased diversity. These demographic changes, coupled with significant economic growth, indicate a neighborhood in transition, likely driven by ongoing gentrification and its attractiveness to high-earning professionals from diverse backgrounds. The challenge for Gowanus moving forward will be to balance this economic growth with maintaining affordability and preserving the area's unique character and diversity.
