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Demographic Stability and Economic Growth in Allegheny West: A Predominantly Black Neighborhood
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Allegheny West, a neighborhood in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, exhibits a low diversity demographic profile with a strong racial majority of Black residents comprising 87% of the population as of 2022. The neighborhood has experienced economic growth over the past decade, with median income rising from $25,735 in 2013 to $35,873 in 2022. Allegheny West has historical significance in Philadelphia's industrial past and has been undergoing gradual urban renewal efforts in recent years.
Throughout the analyzed period (2013-2022), Allegheny West has consistently maintained its status as a low diversity neighborhood with a Black majority. The Black population has remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 82% and 89% of the total population. There have been subtle shifts in other racial groups. The Hispanic population increased from 3% in 2013 to 4% in 2022. The Asian population doubled from 1% to 2% between 2013 and 2022. The White population remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 5% and 7% throughout the period. These changes suggest a slow trend towards increased diversity.
The neighborhood has experienced significant economic growth over the past decade. Median income increased by 39.4% from $25,735 in 2013 to $35,873 in 2022. A notable increase occurred between 2017 and 2018, with median income rising from $24,014 to $32,953. The highest median income was recorded in 2021 at $40,488, before slightly decreasing in 2022. This economic growth coincides with the subtle demographic shifts, suggesting the neighborhood may be experiencing some level of gentrification or economic development.
Population trends have been relatively stable, with a slight overall decline from 13,270 in 2013 to 12,959 in 2022 (-2.3%). This stability in population, coupled with income growth, might indicate that long-term residents are benefiting from economic improvements rather than being displaced.
Allegheny West's demographic profile contrasts with overall trends in Philadelphia and many other major U.S. cities. Philadelphia as a whole is categorized as a majority-minority city with significant Black, White, Hispanic, and Asian populations. The persistence of Allegheny West's low diversity status suggests that it has not yet fully participated in the broader diversification trends seen in many urban areas across the United States.
The economic growth in Allegheny West, while significant, still leaves the neighborhood below Philadelphia's overall median household income ($52,649 in 2021). This indicates that while progress has been made, there is still a considerable economic gap to bridge.
Allegheny West presents a case of a neighborhood maintaining its strong Black majority while experiencing notable economic growth. The subtle demographic shifts and consistent income increases suggest a community in slow transition, potentially moving towards greater diversity and economic opportunity in the coming years, albeit at a pace slower than many comparable urban neighborhoods across the country.
