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Demographic Shifts and Racial Composition in Upper Falls, Rochester
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Upper Falls, a neighborhood in Rochester, New York, exhibits a Majority-Minority demographic profile with significant Black and Hispanic populations. The neighborhood's median income was $22,081 in 2022, which is low compared to national averages. Upper Falls has historical significance as part of Rochester's early industrial development, with the High Falls of the Genesee River playing a role in the area's past economic activities.
Over the past decade, Upper Falls has maintained its Majority-Minority status with notable shifts. In 2013, the neighborhood had a Black Majority (55%). By 2018, it transitioned to a balanced Majority-Minority status, with Black and Hispanic populations each representing 46% of the community. As of 2022, the neighborhood remains in a Majority-Minority state with equal representation of Black and Hispanic populations at 43% each.
The evolution suggests a gradual increase in diversity, moving from a predominantly Black community to a more balanced mix of Black and Hispanic residents. The Asian population increased from 1% in 2013 to 6% in 2022, indicating a trend towards greater diversity.
The median income in Upper Falls has shown an upward trend, rising from $16,911 in 2013 to $22,081 in 2022, representing a 30.6% increase over nine years. This income level remains significantly below national averages. The population has decreased from 10,752 in 2013 to 9,978 in 2022, a 7.2% decline.
The demographic shifts in Upper Falls align with broader national trends of increasing diversity in urban areas. Many U.S. cities have seen growth in Hispanic populations and a relative decline in Black majority neighborhoods. The income growth, while positive, still places Upper Falls well below the national median household income, which was around $70,784 in 2021.
The persistent low income levels, despite some growth, indicate that Upper Falls faces significant economic challenges. This situation is not uncommon in historically industrial urban areas that have struggled with deindustrialization and economic restructuring. The increasing Asian population, though still small, reflects a national trend of growing Asian communities in various urban areas across the United States.
Upper Falls represents a transitional community, moving towards greater ethnic diversity while grappling with economic challenges. The neighborhood's evolution reflects broader urban trends of changing demographics and the ongoing struggle for economic revitalization in historically disadvantaged areas.
