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Demographic Stability and Economic Trends in The Greater Ville: A Predominantly Black Neighborhood
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Greater Ville neighborhood in St. Louis, Missouri, is classified as a Low Diversity community with a Black Majority. As of 2022, the neighborhood has a population of 4,784 with a median income of $26,507. The Greater Ville has historical significance as one of the first neighborhoods in St. Louis where African Americans could own property, serving as an important center of Black culture and community in the city for decades.
From 2013 to 2022, The Greater Ville has maintained its status as a Low Diversity community with a Black Majority. The Black population has consistently remained above 96% of the total population. Minor fluctuations in the white population, ranging from 0% to 3%, have not significantly altered the neighborhood's demographic categorization. Despite the stable racial composition, the neighborhood has experienced a population decline, decreasing from 5,619 in 2013 to 4,784 in 2022, a loss of approximately 15% of its residents.
The economic landscape of The Greater Ville has shown changes during this period. The median income increased from $20,645 in 2013 to $26,507 in 2022, representing a growth of about 28%. This increase is notable given the context of population decline, suggesting that remaining residents have experienced some economic improvement. However, the median income in The Greater Ville remains significantly below the national median income, which was approximately $70,784 in 2021, indicating persistent economic challenges.
The demographic stability of The Greater Ville contrasts with national trends of increasing diversity in many urban areas. The persistent Low Diversity and Black Majority status suggests a level of community cohesion and cultural continuity that may be unique in the face of gentrification and demographic shifts occurring in many other urban neighborhoods across the United States.
The economic improvement in The Greater Ville, while positive, must be considered within the context of broader urban inequality. Many historically Black neighborhoods in American cities have faced challenges of disinvestment and economic marginalization. The modest income growth in The Greater Ville, while encouraging, may not be sufficient to bridge the significant economic gap with more affluent areas of St. Louis or other parts of the country.
The population decline in The Greater Ville aligns with broader trends observed in many Midwestern cities, particularly in predominantly Black neighborhoods. This decline could be attributed to various factors, including the search for economic opportunities elsewhere, changes in housing preferences, or the impacts of urban policies and development patterns.
The Greater Ville presents a case of demographic stability coupled with gradual economic improvement, set against a backdrop of population decline. This combination of factors presents both challenges and opportunities for community development and highlights the complex interplay between race, economics, and urban dynamics in American cities.
