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Demographic Shifts and Racial Composition in City Island, Harrisburg: From White Majority to Moderate Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
City Island, a neighborhood in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, currently exhibits a "Moderate Diversity" demographic profile with a slight white plurality. As of 2022, the neighborhood has a population of 805 and a median income of $45,121. City Island is a mile-long island in the Susquehanna River, known for its recreational facilities and minor league baseball stadium.
Over the past decade, City Island has undergone significant demographic changes, transitioning from a "White Majority" community in 2013 (64% white) to its current "Moderate Diversity" status. The neighborhood has experienced a decrease in the white population percentage, dropping from 64% in 2013 to 47% in 2022. There has been an increase in the Hispanic population, rising from 5% in 2013 to 22% in 2022, suggesting a "Transitional Community" pattern.
The Black population has remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 24% and 40% throughout the decade, contributing to the area's diverse makeup. The Asian population has shown some variability but generally remained a small percentage of the total population.
The demographic shifts in City Island correlate with changes in median income. From 2013 to 2022, the median income increased from $21,255 to $45,121. This increase in income coincides with the transition to a more diverse community. The population has grown from 610 in 2013 to 805 in 2022, a 32% increase.
The demographic changes in City Island reflect broader national trends of increasing diversity in urban areas. The growth of the Hispanic population aligns with national patterns of Hispanic population growth in many U.S. cities. The increase in median income may be influenced by its status as a recreational island that could be attracting more affluent residents or seeing increased investment in amenities and attractions.
The transition from a "White Majority" to a more diverse community with a growing Hispanic population is similar to demographic shifts seen in many mid-sized cities across the United States. The retention of a significant Black population percentage throughout this transition has contributed to maintaining a diverse community.
City Island presents a case study of a small, urban area undergoing demographic and economic changes. Its evolution from a predominantly white community to one of moderate diversity, coupled with income growth, suggests a changing neighborhood. These shifts likely have implications for local businesses, community services, and the overall character of this island neighborhood in Harrisburg.
