Loading Content...
Demographic Composition and Racial Trends in Keyser Valley, Scranton
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Keyser Valley, a neighborhood in Scranton, Pennsylvania, exhibits a demographic profile characterized as "Low Diversity" with a White Majority. As of 2022, the White population constitutes 78% of the neighborhood, while the Hispanic population comprises 16%. The current median income in the area is $54,520 as of 2022. Keyser Valley features a combination of residential and industrial areas, reflecting Scranton's historical background in manufacturing and coal mining.
Over the past decade, Keyser Valley has maintained its status as a White Majority neighborhood, but with notable changes. In 2013, the area was categorized as having "Low Diversity" with 90% of the population identifying as White. By 2022, while still maintaining a White Majority, the neighborhood has shown indications of increasing diversity. The Hispanic population has experienced the most significant growth, increasing from 6% in 2013 to 16% in 2022. This trend suggests that Keyser Valley may be in the early stages of becoming a "Transitional Community," with increasing representation from minority groups.
The Black population has also seen a small increase to 4% by 2022, contributing to the neighborhood's gradual diversification. The median income in Keyser Valley has fluctuated over the past decade. From $57,773 in 2014, it decreased to $48,368 in 2016 before recovering. A significant spike in median income to $68,252 occurred in 2021, followed by a return to more typical levels in 2022.
The economic fluctuations appear to correlate with demographic shifts. The period of lowest median income (2016-2017) coincides with the initial increase in the Hispanic population, suggesting potential economic challenges during this demographic transition. The subsequent income recovery and spike in 2021 may indicate successful integration and economic advancement of new community members.
The demographic changes in Keyser Valley reflect broader national trends of increasing diversity in suburban and urban areas. The growth of the Hispanic population aligns with national patterns of Hispanic population growth and dispersal beyond traditional gateway cities. The economic fluctuations, including the sharp rise and fall in median income between 2021 and 2022, may be related to broader economic factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath.
Keyser Valley remains predominantly White but shows signs of gradual diversification, primarily driven by Hispanic population growth. This demographic evolution, coupled with economic fluctuations, suggests a neighborhood in transition, potentially moving towards greater diversity in the coming years. The community's ability to maintain relatively stable median incomes despite these changes indicates a degree of economic resilience during this demographic shift.
