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Demographic Shifts and Racial Composition in Perry South, Pittsburgh: 2013-2022
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Perry South, a neighborhood in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was classified as a "Black Majority" community in 2022 with a median income of $39,935. The neighborhood has undergone demographic changes over the past decade, moving from a more pronounced racial majority to a slightly more diverse composition. Perry South has historical significance in Pittsburgh's industrial past and is involved in ongoing community revitalization efforts.
From 2013 to 2022, Perry South maintained its "Black Majority" status but showed signs of increasing diversity. The Black population decreased from 63% to 54%, while the White population increased from 33% to 35%. The proportion of residents identifying as two or more races grew from 2% to 8%. These changes suggest a gradual shift towards a "Moderate Diversity" classification, though this threshold has not yet been reached. The increase in multi-racial residents and slight growth in Asian and Hispanic populations indicate a "Transitional Community" aspect.
The demographic shifts in Perry South coincided with changes in median income. The median income increased by approximately 40% from $28,579 in 2013 to $39,935 in 2022. This economic growth occurred alongside the diversification of the neighborhood's racial composition. The population remained relatively stable, starting at 3,654 in 2013 and ending at 4,064 in 2022, with some fluctuations in between. This suggests that the neighborhood experienced in-situ economic improvement rather than significant influxes of new residents.
The trends observed in Perry South align with broader national patterns of increasing diversity in urban neighborhoods. Many U.S. cities have experienced similar shifts towards more mixed communities, often accompanied by rising incomes. However, Perry South's changes appear more gradual compared to rapidly gentrifying areas in other major cities.
The income growth in Perry South, while significant, still leaves the neighborhood below the national median household income, which was approximately $70,000 in 2021. This indicates that while economic improvements are occurring, Perry South continues to face economic challenges compared to national averages.
The stability in population numbers, combined with increasing diversity and rising incomes, suggests a balance of community preservation and gradual change. This contrasts with some urban areas that have experienced rapid demographic turnover and displacement due to gentrification.
Perry South exemplifies a community in transition, gradually moving from a predominantly Black neighborhood towards increased diversity while experiencing modest economic growth. These changes reflect broader urban trends but occur at a pace that may allow for more organic community evolution rather than abrupt displacement.
