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Demographic Transformation of Rolling Mill Hill: From White Majority to Hispanic Growth
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
DATA SOURCE
United States Census Bureau: American Community Survey Data (ACS)
Rolling Mill Hill, a neighborhood in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, has undergone significant demographic changes over the past decade. As of 2022, the community is categorized as a "Majority-Minority" area with a "Transitional Community" status. The neighborhood has experienced a substantial shift in its racial composition, particularly with the growth of the Hispanic population. Economically, Rolling Mill Hill has seen notable fluctuations in median income, with a general upward trend in recent years.
Rolling Mill Hill has transitioned from a "White Majority" community in the early 2010s to a "Majority-Minority" area by 2022. In 2013, the neighborhood was characterized by "Low Diversity," with white residents comprising 84% of the population. Over the next decade, the community underwent a transformation. The Hispanic population grew from 6% in 2013 to 47% in 2022, while the white population decreased from 84% to 44%. This shift qualifies Rolling Mill Hill as a "Transitional Community," with the Hispanic population showing a consistent upward trend.
The median income in Rolling Mill Hill has shown considerable volatility over the years, but with an overall upward trend. In 2013, the median income was $42,766, and it fluctuated over the next few years before experiencing a significant jump to $61,105 in 2020 and reaching a peak of $68,663 in 2021. However, there was a slight decrease to $60,801 in 2022.
The rapid increase in median income coincides with the acceleration of demographic changes. As the Hispanic population grew from 20% in 2018 to 40% in 2020, the median income also saw a substantial increase. This correlation suggests that the incoming Hispanic population may have brought new economic opportunities or skills to the neighborhood, potentially contributing to overall economic growth.
The population of Rolling Mill Hill has grown over this period, from 4,002 in 2013 to 5,152 in 2022, indicating that the neighborhood has become increasingly attractive to new residents.
The demographic shift observed in Rolling Mill Hill aligns with broader national trends of increasing diversity in urban areas. Many cities across the United States have experienced growth in their Hispanic populations over the past decade. However, the rate of change in Rolling Mill Hill appears to be more rapid than the national average.
The economic growth seen in Rolling Mill Hill, particularly the sharp increase in median income between 2019 and 2021, outpaces the national trend. This could indicate that the neighborhood is experiencing a localized economic boom.
Rolling Mill Hill exemplifies a neighborhood in transition, both demographically and economically. The rapid shift from a predominantly white community to a majority-minority area, driven largely by Hispanic population growth, has coincided with significant economic changes. This transformation presents both opportunities and challenges for community cohesion, local services, and future development planning in the neighborhood.
