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Demographic Changes in Greater Third Ward: Analysis of Black Majority and Racial Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Greater Third Ward, a neighborhood in Houston, Texas, currently exhibits characteristics of a Black Majority community with a trend towards increased diversity. As of 2022, the Black population comprises 60% of residents, while the median income has reached $46,226. This area is home to Texas Southern University, one of the largest historically black universities in the United States.
Over the past decade, Greater Third Ward has undergone a gradual transition from a Black Majority towards a more diverse community, though it still maintains its Black majority status. In 2013, the neighborhood was 66% Black. By 2022, this percentage decreased to 60%, indicating a trend towards increased diversity. The White population increased from 13% in 2013 to 17% in 2022. The Asian population nearly doubled from 5% to 9% over the same period.
The demographic shifts in Greater Third Ward correlate with economic changes. The median income rose from $23,291 in 2013 to $46,226 in 2022, an increase of nearly 100%. The population grew from 13,054 in 2013 to 16,209 in 2022, a 24% increase. This population growth, combined with rising incomes and increasing diversity, indicates a neighborhood experiencing gentrification and economic development.
The changes observed in Greater Third Ward reflect broader trends seen in many urban areas across the United States. Many historically Black neighborhoods in major cities have experienced similar patterns of gentrification, characterized by increasing diversity, rising property values, and higher median incomes. The rate of change in Greater Third Ward appears to be more gradual compared to some other rapidly gentrifying urban areas.
The economic growth in Greater Third Ward is notable, with the median income nearly doubling over a decade. This growth rate outpaces the national average and suggests a more rapid economic transformation than many similar urban neighborhoods across the country.
Greater Third Ward is undergoing a transformation, moving from a predominantly Black, lower-income area to a more economically prosperous and increasingly diverse neighborhood. While still maintaining its Black majority status, the area is showing signs of a Transitional Community, with implications for both long-term residents and newcomers. This transition presents opportunities for economic development and challenges in maintaining the neighborhood's historical character and ensuring equitable growth for all residents.
