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Demographic Shifts and Racial Composition in Jordan Heights/Old Fairgrounds: A Hispanic Majority Neighborhood
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Jordan Heights/Old Fairgrounds in Allentown, Pennsylvania, is classified as a "Hispanic Majority" neighborhood with low diversity. As of 2022, the area has a median income of $33,138 and a population of 8,816. The neighborhood includes part of the Old Fairgrounds area, which historically hosted the Allentown Fair.
Over the past decade, Jordan Heights/Old Fairgrounds has undergone a demographic transformation. In 2013, it was categorized as a "Majority-Minority" area with a Hispanic plurality (68%). By 2020, it had transitioned to a "Hispanic Majority" neighborhood (74%), further solidifying this status by 2022 with 75% of the population identifying as Hispanic. This shift represents a "Transitional Community" pattern, with the Hispanic population growing while other groups, particularly White and Black populations, have declined in percentage.
The neighborhood has experienced economic fluctuations alongside its demographic changes. The median income rose from $26,570 in 2013 to $41,120 in 2021, a 54.8% increase. However, there was a decline to $33,138 in 2022. This overall upward trend in income correlates with the increasing Hispanic majority and could indicate improving economic opportunities for this community.
The population has grown steadily, from 6,691 in 2013 to 8,816 in 2022, a 31.8% increase. This population growth, combined with the increasing Hispanic majority, suggests that the area has become increasingly attractive to Hispanic residents.
The demographic shift in Jordan Heights/Old Fairgrounds reflects broader national trends of increasing Hispanic populations in urban areas. The concentration of Hispanic residents in this neighborhood (75%) is higher than the national average of about 18.7% as of 2020.
The median income of $33,138 in 2022 is lower than the national median household income of approximately $70,784 (as of 2021). This disparity highlights potential economic challenges faced by the community, despite the overall income growth over the past decade.
The neighborhood's population growth of 31.8% over a decade is notable compared to Allentown's overall population growth of about 10.5% between 2010 and 2020. This suggests that Jordan Heights/Old Fairgrounds is attracting a disproportionate share of new residents.
Jordan Heights/Old Fairgrounds has evolved from a diverse, majority-minority area to a Hispanic-majority neighborhood with low diversity. This demographic consolidation has been accompanied by overall economic improvement, though challenges remain. The area's transformation reflects broader urban demographic trends but stands out for the intensity of its change and the concentration of its Hispanic population.
