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Demographic and Racial Trends in South Green, Hartford: A Majority-Minority Neighborhood
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
South Green, a neighborhood in Hartford, Connecticut, exhibits a Majority-Minority demographic composition as of 2022. The area is characterized by a Hispanic plurality of 51% and a significant Black population of 36%. The median income in South Green was $24,688 in 2022, which is considerably low compared to national averages. The neighborhood is known for its historic architecture, including Barnard Park, a central community gathering place.
Over the past decade, South Green has experienced notable demographic shifts. In 2013, the neighborhood had a Hispanic Majority, with 59% of the population identifying as Hispanic. By 2022, this changed to a Majority-Minority status, with the Hispanic population decreasing to 51% and the Black population increasing from 23% to 36%. The Asian and White populations remained relatively stable at 2% and 10-14% respectively, while a small "Other" racial category (1%) emerged in 2022.
The median income in South Green has shown modest growth over the decade, increasing from $20,832 in 2013 to $24,688 in 2022. This growth has been inconsistent, with fluctuations observed throughout the years. A significant increase in median income occurred in 2020 to $25,584, followed by a sharp decline in 2021 to $22,254, potentially reflecting the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The population has remained relatively stable, around 3,000 residents throughout the decade. A noticeable drop in population from 3,189 in 2020 to 2,815 in 2021 was observed, possibly related to pandemic-induced migration or other local factors.
The demographic shifts in South Green align with broader national trends of increasing diversity in urban areas. Many U.S. cities have experienced growth in Hispanic and Black populations, often accompanied by a relative decrease in the White population percentage. The economic challenges faced by South Green, as evidenced by its low median income, are more pronounced than in many other urban areas.
The transition from a Hispanic Majority to a Majority-Minority status, with a growing Black population, suggests that South Green may be experiencing shifts in migration patterns or socio-economic factors attracting a more diverse population. This could be due to changes in housing affordability, employment opportunities, or cultural factors that make the neighborhood attractive to various racial groups.
The economic fluctuations, particularly the sharp changes in 2020 and 2021, likely reflect the broader economic instability caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Many low-income urban neighborhoods across the U.S. experienced similar economic volatility during this period.
South Green exemplifies a neighborhood in transition, moving towards greater racial diversity while grappling with persistent economic challenges. The interplay between demographic shifts and economic trends suggests a dynamic community adapting to changing urban realities, potentially offering both opportunities and challenges for community development and social cohesion in the coming years.
