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Demographic Shifts in Chicago's Ashburn Neighborhood: From Black Plurality to Hispanic-Black Balance
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Ashburn, a neighborhood in Chicago, Illinois, has experienced significant demographic changes from 2013 to 2022. The community transitioned from a Black plurality to a balanced Hispanic-Black majority. In 2022, the population of 13,363 consisted of 48% Hispanic and 46% Black residents, with a median household income of $74,400. Ashburn has historically been associated with Chicago's Irish-American community but has undergone substantial demographic shifts in recent decades.
The neighborhood's racial composition has changed notably over the past decade. In 2013, Black residents comprised 46% of the population, with Hispanic residents at 42%. By 2022, Hispanic residents slightly outnumbered Black residents at 48% to 46%. This transition was gradual but consistent, with the Hispanic population increasing from 42% in 2013 to 49% in 2021, before slightly decreasing to 48% in 2022. The Black population remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 46% and 53% throughout the decade. The White population decreased from 8% in 2013 to 5% in 2022.
Ashburn has maintained a "Moderate Diversity" status throughout this period, with two major racial groups consistently representing significant portions of the population. The balance between these groups has shifted, potentially altering the neighborhood's cultural dynamics and community needs. The demographic changes have occurred alongside fluctuations in median household income. In 2013, the median income was $75,701, which peaked at $76,772 in 2014 before declining to $70,261 in 2019. As the Hispanic population grew to nearly match the Black population, median income began to rise again, reaching $78,979 in 2021 before slightly declining to $74,400 in 2022.
The population of Ashburn has remained relatively stable over the decade, fluctuating between about 14,000 and 15,000 residents, with a slight decrease to 13,363 in 2022. This stability in population, combined with the shifting racial demographics, suggests that the changes are likely due to migration patterns rather than significant differences in birth rates or natural population growth.
The demographic shifts observed in Ashburn align with broader trends seen in many urban areas across the United States. The growth of the Hispanic population and the decline of the White population mirror national trends, particularly in large cities. However, the stability of the Black population in Ashburn is somewhat unique, as many urban areas have seen declining Black populations due to gentrification or suburbanization.
The median household income in Ashburn has consistently remained above the national median, which was $70,784 in 2021. This indicates that despite demographic changes, the neighborhood has maintained its economic stability. This suggests that Ashburn may be experiencing a form of "equitable gentrification," where incoming populations contribute to economic growth without entirely displacing existing communities.
Ashburn's transition from a "Black Plurality" to a more balanced "Majority-Minority" community with a growing Hispanic population reflects broader urban demographic trends. The neighborhood's ability to maintain economic stability through these changes suggests a degree of resilience and adaptability in the face of demographic shifts. As Ashburn continues to evolve, it will be crucial to monitor how these changes affect community cohesion, local services, and political representation.
