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Demographic Shifts in Northwood, Philadelphia: From Black Plurality to Majority-Minority
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Northwood, a neighborhood in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, currently presents a demographic profile categorized as a "Majority-Minority" community with "Moderate Diversity." As of 2022, the neighborhood has a population of 11,083 with a median income of $55,975. Northwood has experienced demographic shifts over the past decade, transitioning from a predominantly Black community to one with a more balanced racial composition, particularly with the growth of the Hispanic population.
In 2013, Northwood could be classified as having a "Black Plurality," with the Black population constituting 41% of the community. By 2022, the Hispanic population had grown to 40%, nearly equal to the Black population at 33%. This shift represents a transition from a "Black Plurality" to a "Majority-Minority" community with "Moderate Diversity." The White population has remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 15-20% over the decade. The Asian population has shown a slight increase from 3% to 4% between 2013 and 2022. The emergence of a "Two or More Races" category (3% in 2022) further underscores the neighborhood's increasing diversity.
The demographic shifts in Northwood correlate with changes in median income. In 2013, the median income was $42,983. By 2022, it had increased to $55,975, representing a 30% growth over the decade. This economic improvement coincides with the increasing diversity of the neighborhood. The years of most significant income growth (2015-2016 and 2020-2021) align with periods of rapid demographic change, particularly the growth of the Hispanic population. This suggests that the influx of new residents may have contributed to economic revitalization in the area.
The population of Northwood has grown over this period, from 9,299 in 2013 to 11,083 in 2022, an increase of about 19%. This population growth, combined with the rising median income, indicates that Northwood has become an increasingly attractive neighborhood for diverse groups of residents.
The demographic shifts observed in Northwood reflect broader trends seen in many urban areas across the United States, where traditionally African American neighborhoods are experiencing an influx of Hispanic residents. This trend is associated with changing urban dynamics, including gentrification and shifting immigration patterns.
The economic growth in Northwood should be viewed in the context of overall economic trends in Philadelphia and the nation. The median household income in Philadelphia as a whole was approximately $52,649 in 2022, suggesting that Northwood has slightly surpassed the city average. This could indicate that the neighborhood is becoming more economically competitive within the city.
Northwood's evolution over the past decade from a "Black Plurality" community to a "Majority-Minority" area with "Moderate Diversity" represents a significant demographic shift. This change has been accompanied by economic improvements, as evidenced by rising median incomes and population growth. These trends suggest that Northwood is undergoing a period of transition and potentially revitalization, which may continue to shape its character and socio-economic landscape in the coming years.
