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Demographic and Racial Shifts in Wilbur II: A Study of Neighborhood Transformation
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Wilbur II, a neighborhood in Trenton, New Jersey, has undergone significant demographic changes from 2013 to 2022. The area transitioned from a Moderate Diversity community to a Majority-Minority status with a Black Plurality. The population in 2022 was 6,067 with a median income of $84,007.
In 2013, Wilbur II's population comprised 37% Black, 36% Hispanic, and 20% White residents. By 2022, the demographic composition shifted to 47% Black, 38% Hispanic, and 13% White. This change may be attributed to gentrification in other parts of Trenton, changes in local employment opportunities, and the formation of cultural enclaves.
The neighborhood's median income fluctuated over the decade. Starting at $57,780 in 2013, it peaked at $72,670 in 2018, dropped to $62,280 in 2021, and then increased dramatically to $84,007 in 2022. These economic changes correlate with the demographic shifts observed in the area.
The initial income rise from 2013 to 2018 coincided with an increase in the Asian population and a slight decrease in the White population. The income dip from 2018 to 2021 aligned with a significant increase in the Black population. The sharp income rise in 2022, despite high Black and Hispanic populations, might suggest improving economic conditions for these groups or the arrival of higher-income individuals within these demographics.
Wilbur II's demographic shifts mirror broader national trends of increasing diversity in urban areas. However, its economic trajectory is unique. The fluctuating income levels suggest a complex economic landscape, unlike the steady gentrification and income increases seen in many urban areas.
The sharp income increase in 2022, despite the COVID-19 pandemic's economic impacts, is noteworthy. This could indicate that Wilbur II has attracted or retained higher-income residents within its predominantly minority population, potentially countering national trends of income disparities along racial lines.
In conclusion, Wilbur II has transformed from a Moderate Diversity community to a Majority-Minority area with a Black Plurality over the past decade. This demographic shift, coupled with significant income fluctuations, indicates a neighborhood in transition, potentially emerging as an area of economic opportunity for minority populations in Trenton.
