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Demographic and Racial Shifts in Mahoning Commons: A Black Majority Neighborhood in Transition
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Mahoning Commons, a neighborhood in Youngstown, Ohio, is characterized as a Black Majority community with moderate economic challenges. As of 2022, the neighborhood has 140 residents within a 0.2 square mile area. The median income in 2022 is $18,597, which is below the national average. Mahoning Commons has historical significance as a former hub for steel production in the early 20th century.
Over the past decade, Mahoning Commons has maintained its status as a Black Majority community, but with notable shifts. From 2013 to 2019, the neighborhood exhibited Low Diversity, with the Black population consistently comprising over 80% of residents. Starting in 2020, there has been a transition towards Moderate Diversity. The Black population decreased from 81% in 2019 to 67% in 2022, while the White and Hispanic populations increased. The Hispanic population increased from 2% in 2019 to 14% in 2022, indicating a potential Transitional Community status.
The economic landscape of Mahoning Commons has been volatile over the past decade. Median income fluctuated from a low of $11,185 in 2021 to a high of $37,281 in 2018. The period from 2018 to 2019 saw a substantial increase in median income, coinciding with the highest Black population percentage. The recent diversification trend (2020-2022) correlates with a decrease in median income, dropping from $35,673 in 2019 to $18,597 in 2022.
Population trends show a general decline from 220 residents in 2013 to 140 in 2022, with some fluctuations. This decline could be linked to broader economic challenges in the region.
The demographic shifts in Mahoning Commons reflect broader trends seen in many Rust Belt cities. The gradual diversification aligns with national trends of increasing racial and ethnic diversity in urban areas. The economic volatility is characteristic of many former industrial centers struggling to redefine their economic base. The low median income and population decline are common challenges in many Youngstown neighborhoods, as the city continues to grapple with the long-term effects of deindustrialization.
Mahoning Commons is undergoing a gradual transition from a predominantly Black, low-diversity neighborhood to a more moderately diverse community. This shift is occurring against a backdrop of economic challenges and population decline, reflecting broader regional trends in post-industrial urban areas. The neighborhood's evolution highlights the complex interplay between demographic changes and economic factors in shaping urban communities.
