Loading Content...
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Merchants neighborhood in Fall River, Massachusetts, exhibits a changing demographic landscape as of 2022. It is classified as a "Transitional Community" with "Moderate Diversity." The neighborhood has a white majority of 61%, which has been decreasing over the past decade. There has been significant growth in Hispanic and multiracial populations, indicating a trend towards greater diversity. The area has experienced notable fluctuations in median income, suggesting a dynamic socio-economic environment.
Over the past decade, the Merchants neighborhood has transitioned from a "Low Diversity" area with a strong white majority to a more diverse community. In 2013, the neighborhood had "Low Diversity" with a white population of 79%. By 2022, this decreased to 61%, while other racial groups, particularly Hispanic and multiracial populations, increased significantly. The Hispanic population grew from 6% in 2013 to 13% in 2022, while those identifying as two or more races increased from 4% to 13% in the same period. This trend indicates a shift towards a more diverse community composition, potentially moving towards a "Majority-Minority" status in the future if current trends continue.
The neighborhood's economic landscape has shown considerable volatility over the past decade. Median income rose from $20,809 in 2013 to a peak of $35,253 in 2020, representing a 69% increase. There was a decline to $32,052 in 2021, followed by a recovery to $35,217 in 2022. These economic fluctuations appear to correlate with the demographic shifts. As the community became more diverse, there was a general trend of increasing median income. This could suggest that the influx of new residents may have brought economic opportunities or that economic growth attracted a more diverse population.
Population trends align with these changes. After an initial decline from 5,404 in 2010 to 4,663 in 2013, the population has grown steadily, reaching 6,758 in 2022. This population growth coincides with the increasing diversity and overall economic improvement, suggesting a revitalization of the neighborhood.
The demographic shifts observed in the Merchants neighborhood reflect broader national trends of increasing diversity in urban areas. Many cities across the United States have experienced similar transitions from predominantly white communities to more diverse populations, particularly with growth in Hispanic and multiracial demographics.
The economic volatility, especially the dip in 2021, likely reflects the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which affected communities nationwide. The quick recovery in 2022 suggests resilience in the local economy, possibly boosted by the diverse skill sets brought by the changing demographic makeup.
The Merchants neighborhood of Fall River exemplifies a community in transition, moving from low diversity to moderate diversity with potential for further change. This demographic evolution, coupled with overall economic growth despite recent challenges, indicates a dynamic urban area adapting to broader societal shifts and potentially positioned for further development and change in the coming years.