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Demographic Shifts in East Columbus: From Black Majority to Majority-Minority
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
East Columbus, a neighborhood in Columbus, Ohio, has transitioned from a predominantly Black community to one of moderate diversity between 2013 and 2022. The neighborhood's population in 2022 was 4,551, with a median income of $29,764. East Columbus is located near Port Columbus International Airport.
In 2013, East Columbus had a "Racial Majority" with Black residents comprising 49% of the population. By 2022, it shifted to a "Moderate Diversity" classification with Black residents at 44%, White at 32%, and Hispanic at 18%. The Hispanic population grew from 21% in 2013 to 18% in 2022, the White population increased from 26% to 32%, and the "two or more races" category expanded from 2% to 5%.
The median income in East Columbus increased from $22,095 in 2013 to $29,764 in 2022, representing a 35% growth. A significant increase occurred between 2015 and 2016, from $26,327 to $30,541. The highest median income was recorded in 2021 at $31,833, coinciding with a peak in the Black population percentage (53%) and a decrease in the Hispanic population (11%).
The slight decrease in median income from 2021 to 2022 (from $31,833 to $29,764) occurred alongside a shift towards greater racial balance, with increases in White and Hispanic populations and a decrease in the Black population. The neighborhood's increasing diversity may be linked to its economic growth, possibly attracting a wider range of residents.
The demographic shifts in East Columbus reflect broader national trends of increasing diversity in urban areas. However, the neighborhood's economic growth, while positive, still places it below the national median household income, which was around $70,000 in 2022. This suggests that while East Columbus is becoming more diverse and experiencing some economic improvement, it still faces economic challenges compared to national averages.
The neighborhood's proximity to the airport might explain some of these trends, as such areas often experience more transient populations and can attract diverse communities due to job opportunities in transportation and related industries. East Columbus exemplifies a neighborhood in transition, moving from a predominantly Black community to one of moderate diversity. This demographic shift has been accompanied by modest economic growth, suggesting a complex interplay between racial composition and economic development in this urban setting.
