Loading Content...
Demographic Shifts and Racial Diversity in West Hill, Albany: A Decade of Change
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
West Hill, a neighborhood in Albany, New York, exhibits a demographic profile categorized as a "Majority-Minority" community with "Moderate Diversity" as of 2022. The neighborhood has a population of 8,605 and a median income of $35,869. West Hill has transformed over the past decade, shifting from a predominantly Black community to one with increasing diversity and economic challenges.
In 2013, West Hill was categorized as having a "Black Majority," with 63% of the population identifying as Black. By 2022, the Black population decreased to 48%, no longer constituting a majority. This shift has moved West Hill into the "Majority-Minority" category, with increasing representation from other racial groups.
The Asian population increased from 3% in 2013 to 7% in 2022. The Hispanic population remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 11% and 17% over the decade. The White population increased slightly from 16% to 20%. The percentage of residents identifying as two or more races grew from 1% to 11%, indicating a trend towards a more mixed-race community.
The demographic shifts in West Hill correlate with changes in median income. In 2013, the median income was $23,480, which increased by about 53% to $35,869 in 2022. This growth in income could be attributed to the increasing diversity of the neighborhood. However, the median income in West Hill remains relatively low compared to national averages.
The population of West Hill decreased from 9,759 in 2013 to 8,605 in 2022, a decline of about 12%. This population decrease, coupled with increasing diversity and rising incomes, could indicate a process of neighborhood change.
The trends observed in West Hill reflect broader patterns seen in many urban areas across the United States. The shift from a predominantly Black neighborhood to a more diverse community is consistent with national trends of increasing racial diversity in urban areas. The rise in median income, while still remaining below national averages, is also reflective of economic disparities often seen in transitioning urban neighborhoods.
The growth in the Asian population and those identifying as two or more races aligns with national demographic trends showing these as the fastest-growing racial categories in many parts of the country.
West Hill represents a microcosm of broader urban demographic and economic shifts. Its transition from a Black Majority to a Majority-Minority community with Moderate Diversity, coupled with rising incomes but persistent economic challenges, exemplifies the complex dynamics of urban change in contemporary America.
