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Demographic Shifts in Hartford's North East Neighborhood: Black Plurality and Hispanic Growth
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The North East neighborhood of Hartford, Connecticut, is classified as a Black Majority community with significant Hispanic representation. As of 2022, the neighborhood had a population of 13,561 with a median income of $39,098. This urban area is known for its African American cultural heritage and has been a focus of community revitalization efforts.
Over the past decade, the North East neighborhood has experienced a transition in its racial composition. In 2013, it was categorized as a Black Majority area, with 71% of the population identifying as Black. By 2022, while maintaining Black Majority status, this percentage decreased to 61%. Concurrently, the Hispanic population increased from 21% in 2013 to 29% in 2022.
This trend indicates a gradual increase in diversity, though not yet reaching the threshold for High Diversity. The community shows signs of becoming a Transitional Community, with consistent growth in the Hispanic population and a small but increasing multiracial population, from 1% in 2013 to 3% in 2022.
The demographic shifts correlate with changes in median income. From 2013 to 2022, the median income increased from $33,807 to $39,098, a growth of 15.7%. This increase has not been consistent year-over-year. A significant increase in median income occurred between 2016 and 2017, from $37,751 to $40,370, coinciding with increased Hispanic representation and a slight decrease in the Black population percentage.
Population figures have remained relatively stable over the decade, fluctuating between 13,000 and 14,500 residents. This stability, combined with the gradual increase in diversity and median income, suggests slow but steady economic improvement in the neighborhood.
The demographic shifts in the North East neighborhood align with broader national trends of increasing diversity in urban areas. Many U.S. cities have experienced growth in their Hispanic populations over the past decade, often accompanied by a relative decrease in other racial groups.
The economic improvements, while positive, are modest compared to national averages. The median household income for the United States in 2022 was approximately $70,784, significantly higher than the $39,098 in this neighborhood. This disparity highlights ongoing economic challenges faced by many urban communities, particularly those with historically marginalized populations.
The trend towards increased diversity in this neighborhood reflects a broader pattern of demographic change in many American cities. However, the persistence of a strong Black Majority distinguishes it from areas experiencing more rapid shifts towards High Diversity or Moderate Diversity categories.
The North East neighborhood of Hartford is experiencing a gradual transition towards greater diversity, primarily driven by growth in the Hispanic population. While economic indicators show improvement, the area still faces challenges in closing the gap with national economic averages. These trends suggest a community in transition, balancing its strong African American heritage with emerging demographic shifts and ongoing efforts for economic development.
