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Demographic Transition in Botanical Heights: From Black Majority to Moderate Diversity
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CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Botanical Heights, formerly McRee Town, in St. Louis, Missouri, has undergone significant demographic changes from 2013 to 2022. The neighborhood transitioned from a "Black Majority" community to one of "Moderate Diversity." As of 2022, the population comprises 49% White, 34% Black, and 6% Asian residents. The median income increased from $17,413 in 2013 to $68,271 in 2022, indicating a shift to a middle-class neighborhood.
The demographic evolution of Botanical Heights over the past decade is notable. In 2013, the area was categorized as "Black Majority" with 69% of the population being Black. By 2018, it had become a "Black Plurality" area, and by 2019, it transitioned to a "White Plurality" community. This represents a substantial change in the neighborhood's racial composition over a relatively short period.
The most significant changes include a decrease in the Black population from 69% in 2013 to 34% in 2022, an increase in the White population from 26% in 2013 to 49% in 2022, and the emergence of a small but growing Asian population, rising from 0% in 2013 to 6% in 2022. These shifts classify Botanical Heights as a "Transitional Community," with clear trends towards increasing diversity over the past decade.
The demographic shifts in Botanical Heights correlate with significant changes in median income. In 2013, the median income was $17,413. By 2022, it had increased to $68,271, nearly a fourfold increase. This substantial income growth coincides with the shift from a predominantly Black community to a more diverse one with a growing White plurality. The trend suggests a process of gentrification, where higher-income residents, predominantly White, have moved into the area, potentially displacing lower-income Black residents.
Population figures have remained relatively stable, fluctuating between about 1,000 and 1,400 residents throughout the decade. This stability in population size, combined with the dramatic shifts in racial composition and income, further supports the gentrification hypothesis.
The changes observed in Botanical Heights mirror broader trends seen in many urban areas across the United States, particularly in historically Black neighborhoods near city centers. This pattern of gentrification is often associated with urban renewal initiatives, proximity to cultural amenities, and shifting preferences for urban living among higher-income demographics.
The rapid increase in median income in Botanical Heights outpaces national trends. While the U.S. median household income grew by about 10% between 2013 and 2022 (adjusted for inflation), Botanical Heights saw an increase of nearly 300% in nominal terms.
Botanical Heights exemplifies a "Transitional Community" undergoing rapid demographic and economic changes. The shift from a "Black Majority" to a "Moderate Diversity" neighborhood, coupled with a dramatic increase in median income, suggests a case of urban gentrification. These changes likely bring both opportunities and challenges for long-term residents and newcomers alike, potentially altering the cultural fabric and economic landscape of the neighborhood.
