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Demographic Shifts in Tower Grove South: A Study of Racial Composition Changes
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Tower Grove South, a neighborhood in St. Louis, Missouri, currently exhibits characteristics of a White Majority community with Moderate Diversity. As of 2022, the white population comprises 62% of residents, with significant representation from Black (20%) and Hispanic (6%) groups. The neighborhood has experienced notable demographic shifts over the past decade, coupled with fluctuations in median income. Tower Grove South is known for its historic architecture, tree-lined streets, and proximity to the popular Tower Grove Park, which adds to its appeal and potentially influences its demographic evolution.
Tower Grove South has undergone a transition from Moderate Diversity to White Majority. In 2013, the neighborhood displayed Moderate Diversity, with white residents at 50% and black residents at 28%. Over the decade, the neighborhood transitioned to a White Majority community, with the white population increasing to 62% by 2022. The percentage of black residents decreased steadily from 28% in 2013 to 20% in 2022, indicating a potential shift in the neighborhood's racial composition.
The Asian and Hispanic populations remained relatively stable, hovering around 5-8% each throughout the decade. The percentage of residents identifying as two or more races increased from 2% in 2013 to 5% in 2022, suggesting a trend towards increased racial mixing.
The median income in Tower Grove South increased from $49,127 in 2013 to $58,526 in 2022, representing a 19% increase over the decade. The neighborhood's population peaked in 2017 at 13,168 residents but has since declined to 11,686 in 2022. This decline coincides with the shift towards a White Majority and rising median income. The increasing median income correlates with the growing white population percentage, suggesting a possible link between racial composition changes and economic shifts in the neighborhood.
The demographic shifts observed in Tower Grove South align with broader trends of gentrification seen in many urban neighborhoods across the United States. The increasing white population, rising median income, and declining minority representation are common patterns in gentrifying areas. Many cities have experienced similar trends of inner-city neighborhoods transitioning from diverse or majority-minority areas to predominantly white communities with higher income levels.
The increasing multiracial population in Tower Grove South reflects a national trend, as the number of Americans identifying as multiracial has grown significantly in recent years. This trend could indicate a move towards a more diverse future, even as the neighborhood currently trends towards a White Majority.
Tower Grove South has undergone a significant demographic transformation over the past decade, shifting from a moderately diverse community to a White Majority area with increasing income levels. These changes likely reflect broader urban renewal and gentrification processes, potentially bringing both economic growth and challenges related to affordability and community preservation. The neighborhood's evolution raises questions about equitable development and the maintenance of diverse, inclusive urban spaces.
