Loading Content...
Demographic Shifts in Edgewood: From Black Majority to Moderate Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Edgewood, a neighborhood in New Haven, Connecticut, currently exhibits a Moderate Diversity profile with a Black Plurality. As of 2022, the neighborhood has a population of 5,017 and a median income of $43,458. Edgewood is known for its historic district, which features a blend of late 19th and early 20th-century architectural styles, reflecting its cultural heritage.
Over the past decade, Edgewood has undergone a transformation in its racial composition. In 2013, the neighborhood was characterized by a Black Majority, with 58% of the population identifying as Black. By 2022, this had shifted to a Moderate Diversity profile with a Black Plurality (37% Black, 29% Hispanic, 24% White). This transition appears to have been driven by a decline in the Black population percentage, an increase in the Hispanic population, and a rise in the Asian population.
The median income in Edgewood has fluctuated over the past decade but has remained relatively stable overall. In 2013, the median income was $41,067, and by 2022 it had increased to $43,458. This represents a 5.8% increase over nine years, which is below the rate of inflation for the same period. The population of Edgewood has also fluctuated, reaching a low of 4,301 in 2016 before rebounding to 5,017 in 2022.
The relative stability of median income despite significant demographic changes could indicate that the incoming population has similar economic characteristics to the existing residents, economic opportunities in the area have remained relatively constant despite demographic shifts, or the neighborhood may be experiencing some gentrification.
The demographic shifts observed in Edgewood align with broader national trends of increasing diversity in urban areas. Many U.S. cities have seen growth in Hispanic and Asian populations over the past decade, similar to what's occurring in Edgewood. The significant decrease in the Black population percentage may warrant further investigation into local factors driving this change.
The modest income growth in Edgewood (5.8% over nine years) is lower than the national average, which saw median household income increase by about 10% between 2013 and 2022 (adjusted for inflation). This suggests that while Edgewood is becoming more diverse, it may be lagging behind in terms of economic growth compared to national averages.
Edgewood is transitioning from a predominantly Black neighborhood to a more diverse community, with significant growth in Hispanic and Asian populations. While this demographic shift is substantial, economic indicators have remained relatively stable, pointing to a complex interplay of factors shaping the neighborhood's evolution. As Edgewood continues to diversify, it will be important to monitor how these changes impact community dynamics, local services, and economic opportunities for all residents.
