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Demographic and Racial Composition Shifts in First Hill, Seattle: 2013-2022
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
First Hill, a neighborhood in Seattle, Washington, currently exhibits a White Majority demographic composition with a median income of $75,994 as of 2022. The neighborhood has shown signs of evolving towards Moderate Diversity over the past decade. First Hill is known for its concentration of major medical centers, including Harborview Medical Center, Swedish Medical Center, and Virginia Mason Medical Center, earning it the nickname "Pill Hill" among locals.
In 2013, First Hill was categorized as a White Majority area, with 63% of the population identifying as white. Over the next decade, the neighborhood experienced a gradual transition towards increased diversity. By 2022, while still maintaining a White Majority at 56%, the community has moved closer to a Moderate Diversity classification.
The most significant change has been the growth of the Asian population, increasing from 15% in 2013 to 23% in 2022. This shift suggests a trend towards a more diverse community, potentially transitioning to a Majority-Minority status in the coming years if current trends continue. The Black and Hispanic populations have remained relatively stable, hovering around 6-7% each throughout the decade. The percentage of residents identifying as two or more races has also seen a modest increase from 4% to 7%, further contributing to the neighborhood's growing diversity.
The demographic shifts in First Hill have been accompanied by significant economic changes. The median income has seen a substantial increase from $42,194 in 2013 to $75,994 in 2022, representing a growth of about 80% over the decade. This income growth outpaces inflation and suggests a trend of economic improvement in the neighborhood. The increase in median income correlates with the growing Asian population and the slight decrease in the White majority. This could indicate an influx of higher-income Asian residents, possibly professionals attracted by the neighborhood's proximity to medical centers and downtown Seattle.
The population of First Hill has also grown steadily, from 11,251 in 2013 to 13,878 in 2022, an increase of about 23%. This population growth, combined with rising incomes, suggests that First Hill has become an increasingly attractive neighborhood for new residents.
The demographic changes in First Hill reflect broader trends seen in many urban areas across the United States, particularly in tech-centric cities like Seattle. The increase in Asian population and income levels is consistent with trends observed in other parts of Seattle and similar West Coast cities, often associated with growth in tech and healthcare sectors. The neighborhood's evolution towards greater diversity, while maintaining a White majority, is representative of many gentrifying urban areas. However, the retention of a significant portion of its Black and Hispanic populations distinguishes First Hill from some other rapidly gentrifying neighborhoods that have seen more dramatic displacement of minority communities.
The substantial income growth in First Hill outpaces the national average and even Seattle's overall growth rate, indicating that this neighborhood is experiencing particularly rapid economic changes. This could be attributed to its strategic location near major medical centers and downtown, making it attractive to high-earning professionals.
First Hill is undergoing a transition from a predominantly White neighborhood to a more diverse community, accompanied by significant economic growth. These changes reflect broader urban trends but are particularly pronounced in this neighborhood, likely due to its unique characteristics and location within Seattle.
