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Demographic Shifts in Holmesburg: From White Majority to Moderate Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Holmesburg, a neighborhood in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is classified as a Transitional Community with Moderate Diversity as of 2022. The area has a White plurality of 43%, with Hispanic and Black populations at 24% and 19% respectively. Over the past decade, Holmesburg has undergone significant demographic changes and economic fluctuations. The neighborhood is known for its historic prison, which has influenced local development and economy.
From 2013 to 2022, Holmesburg transitioned from a White Majority community to a Transitional Community with Moderate Diversity. The White population decreased from 60% in 2013 to 43% in 2022. Concurrently, the Hispanic population increased from 11% to 24%, and the Asian population grew from 2% to 5%. The Black population remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 18-22% throughout the decade. A new category of Two or More Races emerged, representing 5% of the population in 2022.
The median income in Holmesburg increased overall from $44,303 in 2013 to $55,553 in 2022, a 25.4% rise. This growth was not consistent, with notable decreases in 2015 and 2017, followed by more stable growth from 2018 onwards. The population of Holmesburg decreased from 26,613 in 2013 to 23,571 in 2017, before increasing to 25,976 in 2022. The population decline coincided with periods of lower median income, suggesting potential outmigration during economic challenges.
The increasing diversity of the neighborhood, particularly the growth of the Hispanic population, correlates with the overall increase in median income. This may indicate that the neighborhood is attracting a diverse mix of middle-income residents.
The demographic shifts in Holmesburg align with broader trends observed in many urban areas across the United States. The decrease in the White population percentage and the increase in Hispanic and Asian populations are consistent with national demographic trends.
The economic growth in Holmesburg, while positive, may not have kept pace with national averages. The U.S. median household income grew by approximately 30% from 2013 to 2022, slightly exceeding Holmesburg's 25.4% growth.
The neighborhood's transition towards greater diversity, combined with economic growth, suggests a changing urban landscape that may be introducing new cultural influences and economic opportunities to the area. However, the fluctuations in population and income over the years indicate that Holmesburg, like many urban neighborhoods, faces ongoing challenges in maintaining stable growth and community cohesion amidst demographic changes.
