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Demographic Transition in Rhawnhurst: From White Majority to Moderate Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Rhawnhurst, a neighborhood in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, currently exhibits a Moderate Diversity demographic profile with a slight White Plurality. As of 2022, the white population stands at 48%, with Asian (17%), Black (17%), and Hispanic (12%) populations. The median income of $52,436 in 2022 suggests a middle-class community. Rhawnhurst is known for its mix of residential areas and small businesses, particularly along Castor Avenue, which serves as a commercial hub for the neighborhood.
Over the past decade, Rhawnhurst has undergone a transformation from a Low Diversity community with a White Majority to its current Moderate Diversity status. In 2013, the neighborhood had a White Majority at 67%. By 2018, it had transitioned to a Majority-Minority community, with the white population dropping below 50%. By 2020, the community could be categorized as having High Diversity, with no group exceeding 40% and three groups (White, Black, and Asian) each representing over 10% of the population.
The most notable changes include a decline in the white population from 67% in 2013 to 48% in 2022, an increase in the Asian population from 11% in 2013 to 17% in 2022, growth in the Black population from 7% in 2013 to 17% in 2022, and an increase in the Hispanic population from 9% in 2013 to 12% in 2022. These shifts indicate that Rhawnhurst has become a Transitional Community, with consistent changes in racial makeup over the decade.
The median income in Rhawnhurst has fluctuated over the years, showing no clear trend. It peaked at $55,850 in 2015 and reached its lowest point at $48,846 in 2019. The 2022 median income of $52,436 is almost identical to the 2013 figure of $52,251, suggesting overall economic stability despite demographic changes.
The period of most rapid demographic change (2015-2020) coincided with a general decline in median income. This could indicate that the influx of new residents may have initially put pressure on local economic conditions. The recent uptick in median income since 2020 suggests a potential stabilization or improvement in economic circumstances as the community adjusts to its new demographic makeup.
The demographic shifts in Rhawnhurst reflect broader trends seen in many urban areas across the United States, where traditionally white-majority neighborhoods are becoming more diverse. This trend is particularly pronounced in larger cities like Philadelphia, which have historically been magnets for immigrant communities and internal migration.
The stability of median income in Rhawnhurst, despite significant demographic changes, is noteworthy. It suggests that the neighborhood has maintained its economic character through the transition. This stability could be attributed to the neighborhood's established commercial infrastructure and its ability to integrate new residents into the local economy.
Rhawnhurst exemplifies a neighborhood in transition, moving from a homogeneous community to one of significant diversity over a relatively short period. The economic resilience demonstrated throughout this demographic shift suggests a community that has adapted well to change, potentially positioning itself for a diverse future.
