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Demographic and Racial Transitions in Lawndale, Philadelphia: A Study of Neighborhood Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Lawndale, a neighborhood in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, exhibits a Moderate Diversity demographic profile with a Black Plurality. As of 2022, the neighborhood has a population of 26,249 and a median income of $50,244. Lawndale has historically been known for its diverse mix of working-class families and its proximity to Roosevelt Boulevard, a major arterial road in Northeast Philadelphia.
Over the past decade, Lawndale has undergone significant demographic changes. In 2013, the neighborhood had a Black Plurality, with 42% of the population identifying as Black. This demographic makeup remained relatively stable until 2019. From 2020 onwards, a transition towards a more Moderate Diversity profile is observed.
The Black population decreased from 43% in 2019 to 38% in 2022, while the Hispanic population increased from 18% in 2013 to 25% in 2022. The Asian population increased from 9% to 10% during this period. The White population declined from 27% in 2013 to 18% in 2022. The percentage of individuals identifying as two or more races increased from 1% in 2013 to 7% in 2022, indicating a trend towards a more racially diverse community.
These shifts suggest that Lawndale is becoming increasingly diverse, moving away from a clear racial plurality towards a more balanced distribution of racial groups. This trend aligns with the definition of a Transitional Community, as significant changes in racial makeup are observed over the defined period, indicating a trend towards increasing diversity.
The demographic shifts in Lawndale correlate with changes in median income. From 2013 to 2022, the median income increased from $42,691 to $50,244, representing a 17.7% increase over the decade. This economic improvement coincides with the neighborhood's transition to a more diverse community.
The population peaked in 2015 at 29,040 residents and has since declined to 26,249 in 2022. This population decrease, coupled with increasing diversity and rising median income, might suggest a period of neighborhood change, possibly including some gentrification or urban renewal efforts.
The trends observed in Lawndale align with broader patterns seen in many urban areas across the United States. Many cities have experienced increasing racial and ethnic diversity, particularly with growth in Hispanic and Asian populations. The rise in median income is consistent with national trends, though the rate of increase in Lawndale (17.7% over a decade) is slightly lower than the national average, which saw about a 23% increase in median household income from 2010 to 2020.
The significant increase in individuals identifying as two or more races (from 1% to 7%) mirrors a national trend. The 2020 U.S. Census reported a 276% increase in the multiracial population compared to 2010, indicating that Lawndale's demographic shifts are part of a larger national pattern of increasing racial complexity and self-identification.
Lawndale exemplifies a neighborhood in transition, moving towards greater racial diversity while experiencing moderate economic growth. These changes reflect broader urban trends and highlight the dynamic nature of demographic and economic shifts in American cities.
