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Demographic Transition and Racial Composition in Pomonok, Queens: A Decade of Change
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Pomonok, a neighborhood in Queens, New York, demonstrates a Majority-Minority demographic profile with a High Diversity classification as of 2022. The Hispanic population constitutes a plurality at 42%, followed by White (21%), Asian (19%), and Black (13%) residents. The median income in 2022 was $64,043, indicative of a middle-class community. Pomonok is notable for its large public housing complex, Pomonok Houses, which has influenced the neighborhood's diverse socioeconomic landscape.
Over the past decade, Pomonok has undergone a significant transformation in its racial composition. In 2013, the neighborhood exhibited Moderate Diversity, with Asians forming a plurality (36%), followed by Whites (29%), Hispanics (18%), and Blacks (10%). By 2022, the community had transitioned to a High Diversity, Majority-Minority status. The Hispanic population increased steadily from 18% in 2013 to 42% in 2022, making it a Transitional Community. Concurrently, the Asian population declined from 36% to 19%, and the White population from 29% to 21%. The Black population remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 7% and 14% over the decade.
The median income in Pomonok has shown considerable volatility over the past decade. It reached a peak of $78,352 in 2021 but decreased significantly to $64,043 in 2022. This recent decline may be attributed to the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The years of highest diversity (2020-2022) coincided with some of the highest median incomes, suggesting a potential correlation between increased diversity and economic benefits. However, the sharp drop in 2022 indicates that these gains may be susceptible to broader economic forces.
The population of Pomonok has grown steadily from 12,678 in 2013 to 15,585 in 2022, representing a 23% increase. This growth, combined with the demographic shifts, suggests that Pomonok has become an increasingly attractive destination for Hispanic families and individuals, possibly due to its affordable housing options and established community networks.
The demographic shifts in Pomonok reflect broader trends in Queens and New York City, where Hispanic populations have been growing while Asian and White populations have experienced relative declines. However, the pace of change in Pomonok appears to be more rapid than the city average. The economic volatility observed in Pomonok, particularly the sharp income increase in 2021 followed by a decline in 2022, is somewhat unique and may be related to the specific impact of the pandemic on the neighborhood's employment sectors or demographic composition.
Pomonok's evolution over the past decade demonstrates a community in transition, moving from Moderate Diversity to High Diversity with a strong Hispanic influence. This demographic shift, coupled with economic fluctuations, presents both opportunities and challenges for community cohesion and economic stability in the coming years.
