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Demographic Transition in Maplewood: From White Majority to Majority-Minority Status
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Maplewood, a neighborhood in Rochester, New York, has undergone a significant demographic transition from 2013 to 2022. The community has shifted from a "White Majority" to a "Majority-Minority" status with moderate diversity. As of 2022, the neighborhood's population stands at 31,351, with no single racial group constituting more than 50% of the population. The white population, while remaining the largest group, has decreased from 54% in 2013 to 43% in 2022. Concurrently, the Black population has increased from 26% to 32%, and the Hispanic population has grown from 12% to 18%.
The demographic shifts in Maplewood have occurred alongside fluctuations in median income. The median income was $45,207 in 2013, decreased to $39,566 in 2017, and then rebounded to $46,983 in 2022. This U-shaped trend in income correlates with the demographic changes. The initial decline in median income coincided with the early stages of demographic transition, while the subsequent recovery suggests a potential positive economic impact of increased diversity.
The population of Maplewood has grown from 28,899 in 2013 to 31,351 in 2022, indicating that the neighborhood has become more attractive or accommodating to a wider range of residents. The Asian population has remained relatively stable at around 4-5%, while other racial categories have seen slight increases, contributing to the overall diversification of the neighborhood.
The demographic shifts observed in Maplewood align with broader national trends of increasing diversity in urban areas. Many cities across the United States have seen similar transitions from majority-white to majority-minority status over the past decade. This trend is often more pronounced in older, established neighborhoods like Maplewood, which may offer more affordable housing options compared to newer suburban developments.
The economic trajectory of Maplewood, with its initial decline followed by recovery, is reflective of patterns seen in other transitioning urban neighborhoods. Often, there is a period of economic adjustment as community demographics shift, followed by revitalization as the new, more diverse community establishes itself and attracts investment.
Maplewood's evolution from a "White Majority" to a "Majority-Minority" community with "Moderate Diversity" over the past decade represents a significant demographic shift. This transition, coupled with the neighborhood's economic resilience as evidenced by the recovery in median income, suggests a community in the midst of dynamic change. The preservation of its historic district alongside these demographic shifts positions Maplewood as a neighborhood that is balancing its heritage with an increasingly diverse future.
