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Demographic Transition in Lower Gibson: From White Majority to Moderate Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Lower Gibson, a neighborhood in Youngstown, Ohio, currently exhibits Moderate Diversity with a White Plurality. As of 2022, the neighborhood has a population of 404 residents, with a median income of $30,088. Lower Gibson has experienced significant demographic shifts over the past decade, transitioning from a more homogeneous community to one with increasing diversity. This neighborhood is known for its historical importance in Youngstown's industrial past, with remnants of old factories still visible, serving as a reminder of the city's manufacturing heritage.
In 2013, Lower Gibson could be categorized as having a White Majority, with 58% of the population identifying as white. However, over the years, the neighborhood has transitioned towards Moderate Diversity. By 2022, while the white population remained the largest group at 55%, it no longer constituted a majority. The black population saw a decline from 27% in 2013 to 19% in 2022, while the Hispanic population increased from 13% to 16% during the same period. The percentage of residents identifying as two or more races also grew significantly, from 1% in 2013 to 8% in 2022.
This shift towards greater diversity could be attributed to various factors, including changing housing patterns, economic opportunities, or broader demographic trends in the Youngstown area.
The median income in Lower Gibson has shown considerable fluctuation over the past decade. Starting from $32,485 in 2013, it dropped to a low of $20,663 in 2016 before gradually recovering to $30,088 in 2022. This economic volatility coincides with the demographic shifts, suggesting a possible correlation between the two trends.
The period of lowest median income (2014-2016) coincides with an increase in the black population percentage and a decrease in the white population percentage. As the community became more diverse in later years, there was a general upward trend in median income, reaching a peak of $35,547 in 2021 before slightly declining in 2022.
The population of Lower Gibson has also fluctuated, decreasing from 645 in 2010 to 404 in 2022. This population decline, coupled with the increasing diversity, might indicate a transition in the neighborhood's socio-economic makeup.
The demographic shifts observed in Lower Gibson align with broader trends seen in many Rust Belt cities. Youngstown, like many cities in the region, has been grappling with population decline and economic challenges stemming from deindustrialization. The increasing diversity in Lower Gibson mirrors national trends of growing diversity in urban areas, particularly in smaller cities and inner-ring suburbs.
The economic volatility experienced in Lower Gibson is also reflective of the challenges faced by many working-class neighborhoods in post-industrial cities. The gradual increase in median income in recent years, despite population decline, could suggest a degree of economic resilience or the beginnings of neighborhood revitalization efforts.
Lower Gibson exemplifies a Transitional Community, evolving from a White Majority area to one of Moderate Diversity with a White Plurality. This demographic shift, coupled with economic fluctuations, paints a picture of a neighborhood in flux, navigating the challenges and opportunities presented by changing urban dynamics in a post-industrial context.
