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Demographic Shifts and Racial Diversity in Lower Moyamensing, Philadelphia
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Lower Moyamensing, a neighborhood in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, has transitioned from a White Majority community to one of Moderate Diversity between 2013 and 2022. The neighborhood's population in 2022 was 16,707 with a median income of $54,092. Lower Moyamensing is known for its concentration of Mexican and Southeast Asian restaurants.
The demographic composition of Lower Moyamensing has changed significantly over the past decade. In 2013, the neighborhood was categorized as White Majority, with 55% of the population identifying as white. By 2022, this percentage decreased to 48%. Concurrently, other racial groups, particularly Asian and Hispanic populations, experienced significant increases. The Asian population grew from 22% in 2013 to a peak of 31% in 2018-2019, before declining to 23% in 2022. The Hispanic population more than doubled from 8% in 2013 to 22% in 2022.
The economic status of Lower Moyamensing has also changed during this period. From 2013 to 2019, the median income remained relatively stable, ranging between $41,996 and $44,063. A significant increase occurred in 2020, with the median income rising to $62,866, and further increasing to $66,865 in 2021. This coincided with the rapid growth in the Hispanic population and a slight decline in the Asian population percentage. In 2022, the median income decreased to $54,092.
The population of Lower Moyamensing has remained relatively stable over this period, with a slight overall increase from 16,015 in 2013 to 16,707 in 2022. This stability suggests that the demographic changes are more likely due to in-migration and out-migration rather than significant population growth.
The demographic shifts observed in Lower Moyamensing reflect broader trends seen in many urban areas across the United States, particularly the growth of Hispanic and Asian populations in traditionally white-majority neighborhoods. The rapid increase in the Hispanic population aligns with national trends of Hispanic population growth in major cities.
The economic improvements seen in Lower Moyamensing, especially the sharp increase in median income between 2019 and 2021, outpace national averages. While the U.S. median household income grew by about 10% between 2019 and 2021, Lower Moyamensing saw an increase of over 50% during the same period.
Lower Moyamensing's evolution over the past decade demonstrates a trend towards increased diversity and economic growth. The neighborhood's transition from a White Majority to a Moderate Diversity community, coupled with significant income improvements, indicates a dynamic and changing urban landscape that reflects broader national demographic shifts while also showcasing unique local economic developments.
