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Demographic Shifts in Franklin Mills: From Low Diversity to White Majority with Increasing Hispanic Population
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Franklin Mills, a neighborhood in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, exhibits characteristics of a White Majority community with increasing diversity. As of 2022, the area has a population of 3,773 and a median income of $82,856. Franklin Mills is home to the Philadelphia Mills shopping mall, formerly known as Franklin Mills Mall, which has been an economic driver for the area since 1989.
Over the past decade, Franklin Mills has transitioned from a Low Diversity community to a White Majority area with increasing diversity. In 2013, the white population comprised 72% of residents. By 2022, while maintaining a White Majority (68%), the community has seen an increase in its Hispanic population, rising from 8% in 2013 to 16% in 2022. This shift suggests a trend towards a Transitional Community, particularly with the growth of the Hispanic population.
The Asian population has remained between 8-14% over the decade, while the Black population has fluctuated between 4% and 6%. The emergence of a small but consistent two-or-more races category (2-3% in recent years) further indicates a move towards greater diversity.
The demographic shifts in Franklin Mills correlate with economic trends. The median income has shown overall growth, rising from $76,887 in 2013 to $82,856 in 2022, with a peak of $98,091 in 2021. This upward trend in income coincides with the increasing diversity of the neighborhood, suggesting that the area may be attracting a more diverse, affluent population.
The population has fluctuated over the decade, dropping from 3,735 in 2010 to a low of 3,150 in 2016, before rebounding to 3,773 in 2022. This population dip and subsequent recovery coincide with the period of increasing diversity, potentially indicating a period of transition in the neighborhood's composition.
The demographic shifts observed in Franklin Mills align with broader trends seen in many urban and suburban areas across the United States. The increase in Hispanic population reflects national trends, as the Hispanic population has been one of the fastest-growing demographic groups in the country over the past decade.
The neighborhood's economic resilience is evidenced by the rising median income, particularly the peak in 2021 ($98,091). This may reflect broader economic trends or local factors specific to Franklin Mills.
Franklin Mills presents a case of a community transitioning from Low Diversity to increased racial and ethnic representation while maintaining economic growth. This evolution suggests a neighborhood adapting to changing demographics while potentially benefiting from its commercial assets. As the community continues to diversify, it will be important to monitor how these changes impact local dynamics, community services, and economic opportunities for all residents.
