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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Riverfront neighborhood in Chattanooga, Tennessee, exhibited a shift from moderate to low diversity between 2013 and 2022. In 2022, the neighborhood was categorized as having low diversity with a White majority of 83% of the population. The median income in the area increased from $24,397 in 2013 to $70,855 in 2022. The neighborhood is situated along the Tennessee River and has been part of Chattanooga's urban revitalization efforts.
The racial composition of the Riverfront neighborhood changed significantly over the decade. In 2013, the area had moderate diversity with a White majority of 64% and a Black population of 31%. By 2022, the diversity had decreased, with the White population increasing to 83% and the Black population decreasing to 12%. Other racial groups maintained relatively small but stable representations during this period.
The demographic changes in the neighborhood coincided with substantial economic shifts. The median income nearly tripled, increasing by 190% from 2013 to 2022. The population of the neighborhood grew from 613 in 2013 to 727 in 2022, an increase of approximately 19%. These trends suggest an influx of more affluent residents to the area.
The changes observed in the Riverfront neighborhood align with patterns of urban gentrification seen in many U.S. cities, particularly in areas near waterfronts. The rapid increase in median income and the shift towards a less diverse, predominantly White population are characteristic of such processes.
The median household income in the United States increased from $52,250 in 2013 to $70,784 in 2021, an increase of about 35%. The Riverfront neighborhood's 190% increase in median income significantly exceeds this national trend. The demographic shift in this neighborhood contrasts with national trends towards increasing diversity in many urban areas.
These changes likely reflect Chattanooga's broader urban renewal efforts, which have aimed to transform the city's downtown and riverfront areas into high-value districts. While such development can bring economic benefits, it also raises concerns about affordability and displacement of long-term residents, particularly those from minority communities.