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Demographic Shifts and Racial Composition in Fillmore, New Orleans: A Black Majority Neighborhood in Transition
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Fillmore neighborhood in New Orleans, Louisiana, is a predominantly Black Majority community with a median income of $79,093 as of 2022. Over the past decade, the neighborhood has maintained its Black Majority status while showing signs of increasing diversity and economic growth. Fillmore is part of the broader Gentilly area of New Orleans, known for its mix of historic charm and post-Katrina resilience.
From 2013 to 2022, Fillmore has consistently been categorized as a Black Majority neighborhood. The Black population decreased from 73% in 2013 to 62% in 2022, while the White population increased from 17% to 27%. The Hispanic population grew from 5% to 7%, and the Asian and Two or More Races categories also saw small increases. These shifts suggest a trend towards a more Moderate Diversity classification, should they continue.
The demographic shifts correlate with significant economic changes. Median income rose from $55,134 in 2013 to $79,093 in 2022, a 43% increase. This income growth outpaced inflation, suggesting real economic gains for residents. The population grew from 5,472 in 2013 to 5,797 in 2022, a 6% increase.
The rising incomes and gradual population growth, coupled with increasing racial diversity, suggest a neighborhood experiencing gentrification or revitalization. The influx of higher-income residents, likely contributing to the growth in the White population percentage, appears to be driving up median incomes.
These trends in Fillmore align with broader patterns observed in many urban areas across the United States. The steady population growth and rising incomes reflect New Orleans' ongoing recovery and revitalization efforts following Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The demographic shifts and rising incomes are consistent with gentrification trends seen in many historically Black neighborhoods in major U.S. cities.
While median incomes have risen significantly, it is important to consider whether this growth benefits all residents equally or exacerbates income disparities within the neighborhood. The Fillmore neighborhood's ability to maintain a strong Black Majority while experiencing economic growth and increasing diversity speaks to the community's resilience and adaptability in the face of change.
Fillmore represents a microcosm of broader urban demographic and economic trends, balancing the preservation of its historical character with the forces of change and development. The neighborhood's evolution over the past decade reflects both the challenges and opportunities presented by urban renewal and demographic shifts in American cities.
