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Demographic Shifts in Hazelwood: A Study of Racial Composition and Income Trends
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Hazelwood, a neighborhood in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, currently exhibits characteristics of a Moderate Diversity community with a White Plurality. As of 2022, the white population comprises 48% of the neighborhood, followed by a Black population at 38%. The neighborhood has experienced demographic shifts over the past decade, alongside fluctuations in median income and population size. Hazelwood has an industrial heritage and is undergoing revitalization efforts.
Over the past decade, Hazelwood has transitioned from a community with a White Majority to one of Moderate Diversity with a White Plurality. In 2013, the neighborhood was categorized as having a White Majority (52%). By 2022, this had shifted to a more diverse composition. The Black population has remained significant, fluctuating between 28% and 42% over the years. There has been a gradual increase in the Hispanic and Two or More Races categories, indicating a trend towards a Transitional Community.
The Asian population increased from 2% in 2013 to 6% in 2020, before decreasing again. This shift towards greater diversity may be attributed to urban renewal efforts, changing housing markets, and Pittsburgh's evolving economy attracting a diverse workforce.
The median income in Hazelwood has shown an overall upward trend, rising from $22,255 in 2013 to $30,731 in 2022, an increase of about 38%. This economic improvement coincides with the neighborhood's increasing diversity. The income growth has not been steady. There was a significant increase from $27,773 in 2018 to $32,189 in 2019, followed by a decline to $25,457 in 2020, likely due to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The subsequent recovery in 2021 and 2022 indicates resilience in the local economy.
The population has fluctuated over the decade, from 3,681 in 2013 to 3,648 in 2022, with peaks and troughs in between. The highest population was recorded in 2016 at 4,148, which coincides with a period of relative stability in the racial composition.
The demographic shifts in Hazelwood reflect broader trends seen in many urban areas across the United States, where formerly industrial neighborhoods are experiencing revitalization and increasing diversity. The growth in median income, while positive, still places Hazelwood below the national median household income, which was around $70,784 in 2021.
Pittsburgh has been working to diversify its economy beyond its industrial past, focusing on technology, healthcare, and education sectors. This economic transition is likely influencing the demographic changes in neighborhoods like Hazelwood, attracting a more diverse population seeking affordable housing near new job opportunities.
The increase in racial diversity in Hazelwood, particularly the growth in Hispanic and multiracial populations, aligns with national trends of increasing diversity in urban areas. The persistence of a significant Black population alongside the White plurality suggests that Hazelwood has maintained some of its historical demographic character while evolving.
Hazelwood's demographic and economic evolution over the past decade reflects a neighborhood in transition, moving towards greater diversity and economic improvement, albeit with challenges. The interplay between racial composition changes and economic fluctuations suggests a complex relationship between demographic shifts and local economic conditions, influenced by both local revitalization efforts and broader urban trends.
