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Demographic Shifts and Racial Composition in Tower Grove East, St. Louis: 2013-2022
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Tower Grove East, a neighborhood in St. Louis, Missouri, currently exhibits a "Moderate Diversity" profile with a slight "White Majority" at 55% of the population as of 2022. The neighborhood has seen significant economic growth over the past decade, with median income rising from $42,105 in 2013 to $60,968 in 2022. This area is known for its historic architecture and proximity to Tower Grove Park, one of the largest and most beautiful Victorian parks in the United States.
Over the past decade, Tower Grove East has undergone a notable transition in its racial composition. In 2013, the neighborhood was categorized as "Majority-Minority," with the white population at 46% and the black population at 36%. By 2022, the area had shifted to a "White Majority" status, with the white population increasing to 55% and the black population decreasing to 31%.
This transition appears to have been gradual, with the neighborhood maintaining a "Moderate Diversity" profile throughout most of the period. The Asian population has remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 3-10% over the years, while the Hispanic population has shown a slight increase from 4% to 6% between 2013 and 2021, before dropping back to 3% in 2022.
The demographic shifts in Tower Grove East correlate strongly with significant economic changes. The median income has seen a substantial increase, rising from $42,105 in 2013 to $71,311 in 2021, before slightly decreasing to $60,968 in 2022. This represents a 44.8% increase over the decade, outpacing inflation and suggesting a notable improvement in the economic status of residents.
As the neighborhood transitioned towards a white majority, the median income rose, potentially indicating a process of gentrification. This economic uplift coincided with a slight decrease in overall population from 6,645 in 2013 to 6,413 in 2022, which could suggest that some lower-income residents may have been displaced during this period of economic growth and demographic change.
The trends observed in Tower Grove East reflect broader patterns seen in many urban neighborhoods across the United States. The process of urban revitalization and gentrification often leads to demographic shifts, with increases in white population and median income frequently occurring in tandem. This pattern is similar to changes seen in neighborhoods in cities like Chicago, Washington D.C., and Atlanta over the past two decades.
Tower Grove East has maintained a higher level of diversity compared to many gentrifying neighborhoods nationwide. With 31% black population and significant Asian and Hispanic minorities, the area continues to be more diverse than the national average, where many gentrified neighborhoods see minority populations drop to single-digit percentages.
The economic growth in Tower Grove East also outpaces the national trend. While the U.S. median household income grew by about 10% between 2013 and 2022 (adjusted for inflation), Tower Grove East saw a much more substantial increase, indicating a more dramatic economic transformation.
Tower Grove East presents a case of urban transformation that has brought economic growth while maintaining a moderate level of diversity. The challenge moving forward will be to ensure that this growth continues to benefit a diverse range of residents and does not lead to further displacement of minority communities.
