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Demographic Shifts and Racial Composition in St. Thomas, Miami Gardens: A Study of Black Majority Emergence
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
St. Thomas, a neighborhood in Miami Gardens, Florida, exhibits a complex demographic landscape. As of 2022, it is categorized as a "Majority-Minority" community with a "Black Majority," with African Americans constituting 57% of the population. The area has experienced economic fluctuations over the past decade, with a current median income of $33,669. St. Thomas is located near Hard Rock Stadium, home of the Miami Dolphins.
Over the past decade, St. Thomas has undergone demographic transitions. In 2013, the neighborhood had a "Moderate Diversity" profile, with significant Black (49%) and Hispanic (33%) populations. By 2016, it shifted towards a "High Diversity" categorization, with no racial group exceeding 40% and three groups (Black, Hispanic, and White) each representing over 20% of the population.
From 2018 onwards, the community transitioned back to a "Black Majority" status, with the African American population consistently exceeding 50%. This shift coincided with a decrease in the Hispanic population percentage and a gradual decline in the White population share. By 2022, the neighborhood firmly established itself as a "Majority-Minority" community with a "Black Majority."
The economic trajectory of St. Thomas has been marked by volatility. From 2013 to 2015, there was an increase in median income from $21,492 to $27,093. However, 2016 saw a decline to $18,465. Since then, there has been a general upward trend in median income, reaching $33,669 in 2022.
These economic fluctuations appear to correlate with demographic shifts. The period of "High Diversity" (2015-2017) coincided with lower median incomes, while the transition to a more pronounced "Black Majority" from 2018 onwards has been accompanied by a steady increase in median income.
Population trends show a decline from 1,050 in 2013 to 740 in 2022, which could indicate outmigration possibly due to changing economic conditions or urban development patterns.
The demographic trends in St. Thomas reflect patterns seen in many urban areas across the United States, where neighborhoods often transition through periods of increasing diversity before settling into new demographic profiles. The economic volatility experienced by St. Thomas is not uncommon in urban neighborhoods undergoing significant demographic changes.
The steady increase in median income since 2018, despite the COVID-19 pandemic, may indicate growing economic opportunities or changing resident profiles. This trend contrasts with many urban areas that experienced economic setbacks during this period.
The proximity to Hard Rock Stadium likely plays a role in the neighborhood's economic dynamics, potentially offering employment opportunities and influencing property values, which could contribute to the observed demographic and economic shifts.
St. Thomas exemplifies a dynamic urban neighborhood that has transitioned through various diversity categories over the past decade, ultimately settling into a "Majority-Minority" community with a strong "Black Majority." These demographic shifts have been accompanied by notable economic fluctuations, highlighting the interplay between racial composition and economic conditions in urban settings.
