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Demographic Shifts and Racial Composition in South Jamaica, Queens: A Decade of Change
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
South Jamaica, a neighborhood in Queens, New York, exhibits characteristics of a Black Majority community with a median income of $72,030 as of 2022. This urban area spans approximately 3.38 square miles and has undergone significant demographic shifts over the past decade. South Jamaica is known for its African American cultural heritage and has been home to several notable hip-hop artists.
In 2013, South Jamaica was categorized as a Black Majority community, with 69% of the population identifying as Black. Over the decade, while maintaining its Black Majority status, the neighborhood has shown signs of evolving towards a Transitional Community. The Black population has decreased from 69% in 2013 to 58% in 2022, while other racial groups have seen increases.
The Asian population has grown from 6% in 2013 to 11% in 2022. The Hispanic population has fluctuated between 15-21% throughout the decade. There has been an increase in residents identifying as two or more races, from 2% in 2013 to 4% in 2022. These shifts suggest a trend towards increased diversity, though the neighborhood has not yet reached the threshold for High Diversity as defined in the study.
Alongside these demographic changes, South Jamaica has experienced economic growth. The median income has risen from $61,533 in 2013 to $72,030 in 2022, representing a 17% increase over the decade. This growth outpaces inflation for the same period, indicating a real increase in economic prosperity for the neighborhood.
The years of most significant income growth (2017-2021) coincide with the periods of most rapid diversification. The population has grown from 75,025 in 2013 to 86,548 in 2022, a 15% increase, indicating that the neighborhood is attracting new residents.
The trends observed in South Jamaica align with broader patterns seen in many urban areas across the United States, where historically Black neighborhoods are experiencing increased diversity and gentrification. The growth in the Asian population reflects wider demographic shifts in Queens and New York City as a whole, which have seen significant Asian immigration in recent years.
The economic growth in South Jamaica, while positive, should be considered in the context of New York City's overall high cost of living. Despite the increase in median income, at $72,030, it remains below the median household income for New York City, which was approximately $70,663 in 2021.
South Jamaica is undergoing a gradual transition from a predominantly Black neighborhood to a more diverse community, while simultaneously experiencing economic growth. This evolution reflects broader urban trends of diversification and development. The neighborhood's ability to maintain its cultural heritage while adapting to these changes will be crucial in shaping its future identity and socio-economic landscape.
