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Demographic Shifts and Racial Diversity in Portsmouth, Portland
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Portsmouth, a neighborhood in Portland, Oregon, currently exhibits a moderately diverse demographic composition with a White plurality. As of 2022, the neighborhood has a population of 10,243 and a median income of $58,303. Portsmouth has undergone significant demographic shifts over the past decade, transitioning from a more homogeneous community to one with increasing racial diversity. This neighborhood is known for its mix of residential areas and industrial zones, reflecting Portland's broader urban development patterns.
In 2013, Portsmouth could be categorized as having a White Majority, with 46% of the population identifying as white. Over the next decade, the neighborhood transitioned to a Moderate Diversity classification. By 2022, the white population decreased to 47%, no longer constituting a majority. This shift was accompanied by increases in other racial groups, particularly in the Black, Hispanic, and Asian populations.
The Black population has remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 18-23% over the decade. The Hispanic population showed some variability, peaking at 21% in 2014-2017 before declining to 15% by 2022. The Asian population and those identifying as two or more races have seen steady increases, from 2% to 6% and 5% to 8% respectively from 2013 to 2022. These changes suggest a Transitional Community, with the neighborhood becoming more diverse over time.
The demographic shifts in Portsmouth correlate with changes in median income. In 2013, the median income was $47,807. It then experienced a decline, reaching a low of $43,033 in 2015. From 2015 onwards, there has been a general upward trend in median income, peaking at $69,999 in 2021 before settling at $58,303 in 2022. This economic trajectory suggests that as the neighborhood became more diverse, it also became more prosperous overall.
Portsmouth's demographic evolution reflects broader trends seen in many urban areas across the United States. The increase in diversity, particularly the growth in Asian and multiracial populations, aligns with national demographic shifts. The economic trajectory of Portsmouth, with its significant increase in median income over the decade, outpaces national trends. While the U.S. median household income grew by about 10% from 2013 to 2021 (adjusted for inflation), Portsmouth's grew by approximately 46% in the same period.
Portsmouth exemplifies a neighborhood in transition, moving from a predominantly white community to one of moderate diversity with improving economic indicators. This evolution presents both opportunities and challenges for community cohesion, affordable housing, and equitable development.
