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Demographic Changes in Mantua: A Black Majority Neighborhood in Transition
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Mantua, a neighborhood in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, exhibits a demographic profile categorized as a "Black Majority" community. As of 2022, the African American population comprises 70% of the neighborhood's residents. The median income in Mantua was $29,146 in 2022. Mantua's proximity to several universities, including Drexel University, has influenced its development and demographic shifts in recent years.
Over the past decade, Mantua has maintained its status as a "Black Majority" neighborhood. The African American population decreased from 82% in 2013 to 70% in 2022. The White population increased from 13% in 2013 to 15% in 2022. The Asian population grew from 2% in 2013 to 5% in 2022. The Hispanic population rose from 1% in 2013 to 3% in 2022. The population identifying as two or more races increased from 1% in 2013 to 7% in 2022.
The economic landscape of Mantua has shown improvement over the past decade. The median income increased from $17,371 in 2013 to $29,146 in 2022, representing a 67.8% growth. The population grew from 6,339 in 2013 to 7,910 in 2022, indicating a 24.8% increase. The rise in median income correlates with the gradual diversification of the neighborhood.
Mantua's median income remains below the national median household income, which was approximately $70,784 in 2021. This indicates that economic challenges persist in the neighborhood.
The demographic shifts observed in Mantua align with broader national trends of increasing diversity in urban areas. Many U.S. cities have experienced similar patterns of gradual diversification in historically African American neighborhoods, often driven by factors such as university expansion, urban renewal, and changing housing preferences among younger generations.
Mantua's retention of a strong Black majority distinguishes it from some other gentrifying neighborhoods that have seen more dramatic shifts in racial composition. This suggests that while change is occurring, there remains a strong core of long-term residents who have maintained their presence in the community.
Mantua presents a case of a neighborhood in transition, balancing its historical identity as a Black majority community with emerging diversity and economic growth. The challenge moving forward will be to ensure that this development benefits all residents and preserves the cultural heritage of the neighborhood while embracing positive change.
