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Demographic Shifts in North Albany - Shaker Park: From White Plurality to Moderate Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
North Albany - Shaker Park, a neighborhood in Albany, New York, currently exhibits a Moderate Diversity demographic profile with a White Plurality. As of 2022, the area has a population of 6,224 and a median income of $49,817. This neighborhood is known for its mix of residential and commercial areas, with a significant presence of historic architecture reflecting its rich past as part of the early Dutch settlement in the region.
Over the past decade, North Albany - Shaker Park has undergone a notable transition in its racial composition. In 2013, the neighborhood could be categorized as having a White Plurality, with whites making up 48% of the population. By 2020, the area had shifted to a Majority-Minority status, with the combined minority population exceeding 50%. However, the most recent data from 2022 shows a slight reversal of this trend, returning to a White Plurality (46%).
The Black population has remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 24-39% over the decade. There has been a gradual increase in the Asian population, from 5% in 2013 to 7% in 2022, peaking at 11% in 2019-2020. The Hispanic population has shown some fluctuation, ranging from 7-14% throughout the period. This demographic evolution suggests that North Albany - Shaker Park has been experiencing a Transitional Community status, with increasing diversity over most of the decade, followed by a slight reversal in the most recent year.
The median income in the neighborhood has shown an overall upward trend, rising from $44,191 in 2013 to $49,817 in 2022, with a peak of $55,183 in 2021. This represents a 12.7% increase over the decade, despite some fluctuations. The periods of highest income growth seem to correlate with increases in diversity. For example, the sharp rise in median income between 2016 and 2019 (from $44,996 to $52,655) coincides with a period of increasing racial diversity, particularly growth in the Asian and Hispanic populations.
The population has also seen fluctuations, with a notable increase from 5,055 in 2020 to 6,224 in 2022. This sudden population growth might be related to post-pandemic migration patterns or local development initiatives.
The demographic shifts observed in North Albany - Shaker Park align with broader national trends of increasing diversity in urban areas. Many U.S. cities have experienced similar transitions to Majority-Minority status over the past decade. However, the recent slight reversal towards a White Plurality is somewhat unique and may warrant further investigation into local factors such as gentrification or specific community initiatives.
The income growth in the neighborhood, while positive, appears to be slightly below the national average. According to U.S. Census data, the national median household income grew by about 15% between 2013 and 2022, compared to the 12.7% growth seen in this neighborhood.
North Albany - Shaker Park represents a dynamic urban community that has experienced significant demographic shifts and moderate economic growth over the past decade. Its transition through various diversity categories reflects the complex interplay of social, economic, and possibly policy-driven factors shaping urban neighborhoods across the United States.
