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Demographic and Racial Shifts in Pittsburgh's Allentown Neighborhood: A Decade of Change
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Allentown, a neighborhood in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has experienced significant demographic changes from 2013 to 2022. As of 2022, Allentown is classified as a "Moderate Diversity" community with a White Majority. The neighborhood has a population of 2,042 and a median income of $45,089. Allentown is notable for its historic Monongahela Incline, an operational feature since 1870.
The demographic composition of Allentown has undergone substantial shifts over the past decade. In 2013, the neighborhood had a White Majority, with 69% of the population identifying as white. By 2018, it transitioned to a "Majority-Minority" community, with the white population decreasing to 44% and the black population increasing to 47%. This shift was temporary, as Allentown reverted to a White Majority status in 2019, maintaining this classification through 2022 with a 56% white majority.
Throughout the decade, Allentown has consistently displayed "Moderate Diversity," with significant representation from two major racial groups (white and black). There has been a noticeable increase in Hispanic and multiracial populations, indicating a trend towards becoming a "Transitional Community."
The median income in Allentown has shown an overall upward trend, increasing from $33,242 in 2013 to $45,089 in 2022, representing a 35.6% increase over the decade. This economic improvement coincides with the demographic shifts, particularly the return to a White Majority status in 2019.
Allentown's population has decreased from 2,719 in 2013 to 2,042 in 2022, a 24.9% decline. This population decrease, coupled with the income increase, suggests a potential gentrification process, where lower-income residents may have been displaced by higher-income newcomers.
The demographic shifts in Allentown reflect broader trends seen in many urban neighborhoods across the United States. The initial transition to a Majority-Minority status followed by a return to White Majority is similar to patterns observed in other cities experiencing gentrification and urban renewal.
The economic improvement in Allentown, with a 35.6% increase in median income over a decade, outpaces the national average. For comparison, the U.S. median household income increased by about 10% between 2013 and 2022 when adjusted for inflation.
The population decline in Allentown contrasts with the overall growth trend in many U.S. cities during this period. This could indicate that while the neighborhood is becoming more affluent, it may be losing some of its traditional community character and affordability for long-term residents.
Allentown presents a complex picture of demographic and economic change. While it has maintained moderate diversity and seen economic improvements, the shifts in racial composition and declining population suggest ongoing transitions that may reshape the neighborhood's identity in the coming years.
