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Demographic Shifts in Upper Lawrenceville: A Study of Racial Composition and Income Changes
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Upper Lawrenceville, a neighborhood in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, currently exhibits characteristics of a White Majority community with a median income of $63,283 as of 2022. The neighborhood has shown signs of being a Transitional Community over the past decade, with notable shifts in its racial composition and economic indicators. Upper Lawrenceville is known for its industrial heritage and recent revitalization efforts, which have attracted new residents and businesses to the area.
In 2013, Upper Lawrenceville could be categorized as a Moderate Diversity community, with significant representation from both white (63%) and black (30%) populations. However, over the next decade, the neighborhood transitioned towards a White Majority status. By 2022, the white population had increased to 85%, while the black population decreased to 10%. This shift suggests a trend of gentrification and changing neighborhood dynamics.
The Asian and Hispanic populations remained relatively stable, hovering around 1-2% each throughout the period. The proportion of residents identifying as two or more races fluctuated slightly but remained low, between 1-4%.
The demographic shifts in Upper Lawrenceville correlate strongly with changes in median income. In 2013, the median income was $40,799. As the neighborhood transitioned to a White Majority community, the median income rose significantly, reaching $63,283 by 2022 – an increase of about 55% over nine years.
This economic growth coincided with a slight decrease in population from 2,892 in 2013 to 2,497 in 2022. This trend suggests that while the neighborhood may have lost some residents, those who remained or moved in had higher incomes on average, potentially pricing out some former residents.
The demographic and economic changes in Upper Lawrenceville reflect broader trends seen in many urban neighborhoods across the United States. The process of gentrification, characterized by an influx of wealthier residents and rising property values, often leads to demographic shifts similar to those observed here.
The transition from Moderate Diversity to White Majority status, coupled with significant income growth, may have implications for community cohesion, local businesses, and long-term residents. These changes often bring both opportunities and challenges to transitioning neighborhoods.
Upper Lawrenceville has undergone a significant demographic and economic transformation over the past decade, shifting from a moderately diverse community to a predominantly white, higher-income neighborhood. This transition reflects broader urban renewal and gentrification trends seen in many U.S. cities, bringing both positive economic growth and potential challenges related to maintaining community diversity and affordability.
