Loading Content...
Demographic Shifts and Racial Composition in St. Thomas, New Orleans: A Decade of Change
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
St. Thomas, a neighborhood in New Orleans, Louisiana, exhibits a low diversity demographic profile with a Black racial majority of 81% as of 2022. The neighborhood has experienced significant economic fluctuations over the past decade, with a notable spike in median income in 2021 followed by a decline in 2022. St. Thomas has been a focus of urban renewal efforts in recent years, including the redevelopment of public housing into mixed-income communities.
Over the past decade, St. Thomas has undergone a transition in its racial composition. In 2013, the neighborhood had moderate diversity with a Black plurality (58% Black, 38% White). By 2018, it shifted to a racial majority status with Black residents comprising 73% of the population. This trend continued, reaching 81% by 2022, solidifying its classification as low diversity with a strong Black majority. The White population declined from 38% in 2013 to 15% in 2022. Other racial groups, including Asian and Hispanic populations, have maintained relatively small but consistent representation throughout the decade.
The economic landscape of St. Thomas has been marked by volatility. Median income fluctuated between $15,941 and $21,191 from 2013 to 2020. In 2021, median income surged to $63,729, followed by a decline to $27,474 in 2022. This shift could be attributed to various factors, including potential data anomalies, temporary economic interventions, or changes in the neighborhood's economic structure. The population has shown steady growth throughout the decade, increasing from 1,585 in 2013 to 2,348 in 2022.
The demographic shift in St. Thomas towards a stronger Black majority aligns with trends in some urban areas where gentrification and urban renewal efforts have sometimes led to the displacement of minority populations. However, in this case, the Black population has increased its majority status. The economic volatility, particularly the income spike in 2021, is unusual and may reflect localized factors such as targeted economic development initiatives or changes in housing policies. This contrasts with more stable national trends in median income growth over the same period.
The persistent low median income levels (except for 2021) suggest that St. Thomas faces ongoing economic challenges, potentially related to broader issues of urban poverty and economic inequality in New Orleans and similar urban areas across the United States. St. Thomas has transitioned from a moderately diverse neighborhood to one with low diversity and a strong Black majority over the past decade. This demographic shift has occurred alongside significant economic fluctuations, highlighting the complex relationship between racial composition and economic conditions in urban neighborhoods undergoing change.
