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Demographic and Racial Composition of Old Town-Chinatown, Portland: A Decade of Change
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Old Town-Chinatown in Portland, Oregon, exhibits Moderate Diversity as of 2022, with a White majority of 74% and representation from other racial groups. The median income in 2022 was $22,779, indicating a working-class or economically challenged population. This neighborhood is one of the oldest in Portland, known for its Chinese-American heritage.
Over the past decade, Old Town-Chinatown has maintained its status as a White Majority area, transitioning from Low Diversity in 2013 to Moderate Diversity in 2022. The Hispanic population increased from 6% to 9%, the Asian population from 2% to 3%, and the multiracial category from 3% to 5%. This trend suggests a Transitional Community moving towards greater diversity.
The median income rose from $19,406 in 2013 to $22,779 in 2022, an increase of about 17%. There was a significant spike in 2021 to $26,365, followed by a decrease in 2022. The population has fluctuated, peaking at 3,606 in 2015, dropping to 2,625 in 2021, and rebounding to 3,186 in 2022. The gradual increase in diversity appears to be loosely correlated with the overall trend of rising median income.
The demographic shifts in Old Town-Chinatown reflect broader trends seen in many urban areas across the United States, where historically White-majority neighborhoods are slowly becoming more diverse. The pace of change in this neighborhood appears slower than in many other urban centers.
The persistently low median income, despite some growth, indicates that Old Town-Chinatown faces ongoing economic challenges. This is not uncommon in historic urban neighborhoods that are often sites of both cultural significance and economic struggle.
The neighborhood's proximity to downtown Portland and its historical significance make it a unique case study in urban demographic evolution. Its slow but steady move towards greater diversity, coupled with modest economic growth, suggests a community in transition, balancing historical identity with changing urban dynamics.
