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Demographic Shifts in Whitman Park: Black Plurality and Hispanic Growth
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Whitman Park, a neighborhood in Camden, New Jersey, exhibits characteristics of a Majority-Minority community with a Black Plurality. As of 2022, the neighborhood has a population of 6,459 and a median income of $34,257. This area is known for its historical significance in Camden's industrial past and its ongoing efforts in community revitalization.
Over the past decade, Whitman Park has consistently maintained its status as a Majority-Minority community. However, there have been notable shifts within this categorization. From 2013 to 2022, the Black population has remained the largest group, but its share has decreased from 62% to 53%, still maintaining a plurality but losing its majority status. The Hispanic population has shown significant growth, increasing from 28% in 2013 to 41% in 2022. This trend suggests a transition towards a more balanced Majority-Minority community, potentially heading towards Moderate Diversity if the trend continues.
The White population has fluctuated but generally declined, from 7% in 2013 to 5% in 2022. The appearance of a small Native American population (1%) in 2022 indicates a slight increase in diversity.
The demographic shifts correlate with notable economic changes. The median income has increased significantly from $23,067 in 2013 to $34,257 in 2022, a 48.5% increase. This growth coincides with the increasing Hispanic population and could indicate changing economic opportunities or gentrification. The population declined from 6,693 in 2013 to 5,979 in 2020 but has since rebounded to 6,459 in 2022. This recent growth aligns with the increasing Hispanic population and rising median income, suggesting possible neighborhood revitalization efforts.
These trends in Whitman Park reflect broader national patterns. The growth of the Hispanic population and the slight increase in other minority groups align with national trends of increasing diversity in urban areas. Despite the overall income growth, the median income remains below the national average, highlighting persistent economic challenges in this urban neighborhood. The recent population growth and income increase could be indicative of urban renewal efforts seen in many post-industrial cities across the United States.
Whitman Park is undergoing a gradual transition from a predominantly Black neighborhood to a more diverse Majority-Minority community with a growing Hispanic presence. This demographic shift, coupled with economic improvements, suggests a neighborhood in transition, potentially moving towards greater diversity and economic development. However, the low median income compared to national averages indicates ongoing socio-economic challenges that require continued attention and community investment.
