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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Benton Park West, a neighborhood in St. Louis, Missouri, exhibits characteristics of a Black Majority community with a trend towards increasing diversity. As of 2022, the neighborhood had a population of 4,445 with a median income of $43,014. Benton Park West is known for its historic architecture and community revitalization efforts, which have likely played a role in its demographic evolution over the past decade.
In 2013, Benton Park West was categorized as a Black Majority community, with 59% of the population identifying as Black. This majority status persisted through most of the decade, peaking at 64% in 2019. However, by 2022, the Black population had decreased to 52%, just barely maintaining majority status. Simultaneously, there has been a notable increase in the White population, rising from 23% in 2013 to 38% in 2022. This shift suggests that Benton Park West is transitioning from a Black Majority to potentially a Moderate Diversity category in the near future. The Hispanic population has remained relatively stable around 6-7%, while the Asian population has shown a slight increase from 1% to 3% over the decade.
The demographic shifts in Benton Park West correlate strongly with economic changes. The median income has seen a significant increase, rising from $24,463 in 2013 to $43,014 in 2022, representing a 75.8% increase. This substantial growth in median income coincides with the increasing White population and could be indicative of gentrification processes in the neighborhood. The population has also fluctuated over the decade, with a notable increase from 4,301 in 2010 to 4,962 in 2020, followed by a slight decline to 4,445 in 2022. These population changes, coupled with the rising incomes and shifting racial composition, suggest that the neighborhood is experiencing economic revitalization and attracting new residents, potentially from higher income brackets.
The trends observed in Benton Park West reflect broader patterns of urban gentrification seen in many U.S. cities. The increasing White population and rising median income are consistent with national trends of inner-city neighborhood revitalization and demographic change. However, the persistence of a Black majority, albeit declining, sets Benton Park West apart from some more dramatically gentrified neighborhoods in other cities. The economic growth in Benton Park West is particularly notable given that St. Louis has faced economic challenges in recent years. The neighborhood's median income growth outpaces many other areas of the city, suggesting targeted investment or development in this specific area.
Benton Park West is undergoing a significant demographic and economic transition. While still categorized as a Black Majority community, it shows signs of moving towards Moderate Diversity. This shift, coupled with substantial income growth, indicates a neighborhood in flux, likely experiencing gentrification pressures while still maintaining aspects of its historical demographic character. The coming years will be crucial in determining whether Benton Park West can achieve a balance between economic growth and maintaining its diverse community fabric.