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Demographic Transition in Little Neck, Queens: From Moderate Diversity to Asian Majority
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Little Neck, a neighborhood in Queens, New York, exhibits a Racial Majority with Asian residents comprising 55% of the population as of 2022. The area has a median income of $84,651. Little Neck is known for its suburban feel within New York City, featuring tree-lined streets and a mix of single-family homes and apartment buildings.
Over the past decade, Little Neck has undergone a significant demographic transformation. In 2013, the neighborhood was categorized as Moderate Diversity, with a nearly even split between Asian (47%) and White (41%) populations. By 2017, it had transitioned to an Asian Plurality, and by 2020, it reached Asian Majority status, which it has maintained since.
This shift represents a Transitional Community, with the Asian population steadily increasing from 47% in 2013 to 55% in 2022. Concurrently, the White population decreased from 41% to 32% over the same period. The Hispanic population has remained relatively stable, hovering around 6-8%, while the Black population has consistently been around 3-4%.
The demographic shifts in Little Neck have been accompanied by fluctuations in median income. In 2013, when the community was more diverse, the median income was $94,745. As the Asian population became the majority, there was initially a decline in median income, reaching a low of $81,252 in 2017. However, this was followed by a recovery and significant increase, peaking at $103,501 in 2021 before slightly declining to $84,651 in 2022.
The demographic shift in Little Neck reflects broader trends seen in many parts of Queens and New York City, where Asian communities have been growing rapidly. This trend is part of a larger pattern of Asian immigration and internal migration within the United States, particularly in urban and suburban areas near major cities.
The economic fluctuations in Little Neck, especially the recent increase in median income, align with trends seen in other areas with growing Asian populations, often associated with a focus on education and professional advancement. However, the slight decrease in median income from 2021 to 2022 might be reflective of broader economic challenges faced across the country during this period, including the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The population density of Little Neck, approximately 12,918 people per square mile, is relatively low for New York City standards, reflecting its more suburban character. This lower density, combined with its changing demographics and fluctuating but generally high median income, positions Little Neck as a unique enclave within the diverse tapestry of Queens and New York City as a whole.
