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Demographic Transition and Racial Diversity in Scranton's Hill Section
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Hill Section of Scranton, Pennsylvania, exhibits demographic evolution. As of 2022, this neighborhood is categorized as a "Transitional Community" with "Moderate Diversity." The area has a population of 10,053 and a median income of $48,121. The Hill Section is home to several educational institutions, including the University of Scranton, which likely influences its demographic makeup and economic characteristics.
Over the past decade, the Hill Section has undergone a transformation in its racial composition. In 2013, the neighborhood had "Low Diversity," with the white population comprising 75% of residents. By 2022, this shifted to a more diverse demographic landscape. The white population decreased from 75% in 2013 to 62% in 2022. The Hispanic population increased from 8% to 13%. The Asian population rose from 5% to 10%. The Black population increased from 6% to 9%. This shift moves the neighborhood from "Low Diversity" to "Moderate Diversity," with three racial groups each exceeding 10% representation. The community shows signs of being a "Transitional Community," with consistent increases in minority populations over the years.
The demographic shifts correlate with changes in median income. From 2013 to 2019, there was a downward trend in median income, dropping from $43,881 to $43,110. From 2020 to 2022, there was an increase, with median income rising to $48,121. This recent upward trend in income coincides with the increased diversity in the neighborhood, suggesting that the influx of new residents may be contributing to economic growth.
The demographic shifts observed in the Hill Section align with broader national trends of increasing diversity in urban areas. Many U.S. cities have experienced similar transitions, with growing Hispanic and Asian populations in particular. The recent increase in median income also reflects a national trend of economic recovery and growth following the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Hill Section's transformation is noteworthy given Scranton's historical reputation as a predominantly white, working-class city. The presence of the University of Scranton in the neighborhood likely plays a role in attracting a more diverse population, including international students and faculty, which could explain the higher-than-average increase in Asian residents.
The economic resilience of the neighborhood, especially in the face of increasing diversity, is a positive sign. It suggests that the Hill Section is successfully integrating new residents and potentially benefiting from their contributions to the local economy. This trend could serve as a model for other transitioning neighborhoods in similar mid-sized American cities.
The Hill Section of Scranton exemplifies a neighborhood in transition, moving from low to moderate diversity while maintaining economic stability. As this trend continues, it will be crucial to monitor how these changes affect local community dynamics, housing markets, and overall quality of life for residents.
