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Demographic Shifts in Tacony: From White Majority to Moderate Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Tacony, a neighborhood in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, exhibits Moderate Diversity as of 2022, with a White Plurality (51% white), 19% Hispanic, and 13% Black populations. The neighborhood has transitioned from a more homogeneous community to one with increasing diversity over the past decade. Tacony has historical significance as a former manufacturing hub, particularly for the Disston Saw Works in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
In 2013, Tacony had a White Majority, with 61% of the population identifying as white. Over the decade, the neighborhood transitioned to Moderate Diversity. The white population decreased steadily, falling below the majority threshold by 2021. The Asian population increased from 2% in 2013 to 9% in 2022, and the Hispanic population grew from 15% in 2013 to 19% in 2022. This shift towards greater diversity may be attributed to changing immigration patterns, urban gentrification processes, and the overall diversification of Philadelphia's population.
The demographic changes in Tacony have been accompanied by fluctuations in median income. From 2013 to 2022, the median income increased from $41,582 to $52,416, representing a 26% growth. This growth was not linear, with notable increases in 2020 and 2021 (reaching a peak of $57,662) before a slight decline in 2022. The population of Tacony has remained relatively stable over the decade, with minor fluctuations. The 2022 population of 18,996 is about 3.4% higher than the 2013 figure of 18,368.
The correlation between demographic shifts and economic trends indicates that the influx of diverse populations, particularly Asian residents, may have contributed to the overall increase in median income. This could be due to new residents bringing different skill sets or educational backgrounds to the neighborhood.
The trends observed in Tacony align with broader patterns seen in many urban areas across the United States, where traditionally white-majority neighborhoods are experiencing increased diversity. Philadelphia as a whole has been undergoing similar transformations, with many neighborhoods seeing an influx of immigrant populations and a general trend towards greater racial and ethnic diversity.
The economic growth in Tacony appears to be more modest compared to some rapidly gentrifying areas of major cities. This suggests that while the neighborhood is changing, it may be doing so at a more gradual pace that allows for integration of new populations without dramatic displacement of long-term residents.
Tacony's evolution over the past decade reflects a broader national trend towards increased urban diversity and gradual economic growth in formerly industrial areas. The neighborhood's transition from a White Majority to a state of Moderate Diversity, coupled with steady economic improvements, positions it as a microcosm of larger demographic and economic shifts occurring in many American cities.
