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Demographic Shifts in Roxbury: From Black Majority to Increasing Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
DATA SOURCE
United States Census Bureau: American Community Survey Data (ACS)
Roxbury, a neighborhood in Boston, Massachusetts, currently presents as a Majority-Minority community with a Black Plurality. As of 2022, the neighborhood has a population of 57,261 and a median income of $39,582. Roxbury is known for its African American history and culture, being a center of the civil rights movement in Boston during the 1960s and home to notable institutions like the Museum of the National Center of Afro-American Artists.
Over the past decade, Roxbury has undergone a transition from a Black Majority to a Majority-Minority community with a Black Plurality. In 2013, the Black population constituted 61% of the neighborhood. By 2022, this percentage had decreased to 51%, maintaining plurality status. This shift is part of a Transitional Community trend, with increasing diversity driven by growth in the Hispanic and White populations. The Hispanic population grew from 26% in 2013 to 31% in 2022, while the White population increased from 5% to 9% over the same period. The percentage of residents identifying as two or more races increased from 2% to 5%.
The demographic shifts in Roxbury correlate with changes in median income. From 2013 to 2022, the median income increased from $28,306 to $39,582, representing a 40% increase. This growth in income levels coincides with the increasing diversity of the neighborhood. Despite this increase, Roxbury's median income remains below the Boston average, which was approximately $76,000 in 2022. This disparity indicates that economic challenges persist.
The population of Roxbury has grown over this period, from 53,560 in 2013 to 57,261 in 2022, a 7% increase. This population growth, coupled with increasing diversity and rising incomes, suggests a neighborhood undergoing gentrification processes.
The demographic changes in Roxbury mirror trends seen in many urban areas across the United States, where historically Black neighborhoods are experiencing increased racial and ethnic diversity. This often accompanies gentrification processes, which can bring both opportunities and challenges.
The income growth in Roxbury, while significant, differs from national trends. The U.S. median household income grew by about 27% from 2013 to 2022, compared to Roxbury's 40% growth. However, Roxbury started from a lower base, and its median income remains below national averages.
Roxbury is undergoing a demographic and economic transition. While becoming more diverse and experiencing income growth, it faces challenges associated with urban change, including maintaining affordability and preserving cultural heritage while embracing new opportunities for development and community growth.
