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Demographic Transformation of Carthage: From Low to Moderate Diversity with White Plurality
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Carthage, a neighborhood in Cincinnati, Ohio, currently exhibits a Moderate Diversity profile with a White Plurality. As of 2022, the white population comprises 54% of the community, followed by Black (27%) and Hispanic (13%) populations. The median income of $43,171 in 2022 indicates a working-class neighborhood that has experienced gradual economic improvement over the past decade. Carthage is one of Cincinnati's oldest neighborhoods, with origins dating back to the early 19th century.
Over the past decade, Carthage has undergone a notable transformation in its racial composition. In 2013, the neighborhood was categorized as having Low Diversity with a White Majority (63%). By 2022, it had transitioned to a Moderate Diversity profile with a White Plurality. This shift is characterized by a steady decrease in the white population from 63% in 2013 to 54% in 2022, an increase in the Black population from 20% to 27% over the same period, a fluctuating but generally increasing Hispanic population, rising from 12% in 2013 to 13% in 2022, with a peak of 19% in 2019, and a significant increase in the multiracial population, from 1% in 2013 to 6% in 2022. These changes suggest that Carthage is becoming a Transitional Community, moving towards greater diversity.
The demographic shifts in Carthage correlate with notable economic changes. Median income has increased substantially from $32,516 in 2013 to $43,171 in 2022, a 33% increase over a decade. This income growth coincides with the increase in diversity, suggesting that the influx of diverse populations may be bringing economic opportunities or reflecting broader economic improvements in the area. The population has remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 4,300 and 5,000 residents, indicating that the neighborhood is maintaining its overall size while becoming more diverse.
Carthage's trends align with broader national patterns observed in many urban areas. Increasing diversity in historically white-majority neighborhoods is a common trend in many U.S. cities, often associated with changing demographics and migration patterns. The gradual increase in median income without a significant population change suggests a form of "soft gentrification," where the neighborhood improves economically without wholesale displacement of existing residents. The growth in the multiracial population (from 1% to 6%) mirrors national trends, as the U.S. multiracial population has been one of the fastest-growing demographic groups in recent years.
Carthage exemplifies a neighborhood in transition, moving from Low Diversity to Moderate Diversity over a decade. This demographic shift, coupled with steady economic improvement, suggests a community that is evolving to reflect broader urban demographic trends while maintaining its working-class character. The challenge for Carthage moving forward will be to leverage its increasing diversity for continued economic growth while preserving its historical identity and ensuring inclusivity for all residents.
