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Demographic Transition in Sharswood: Analysis of Racial Composition and Economic Changes
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Sharswood, a neighborhood in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, exhibits a demographic profile categorized as a "Transitional Community" with "Moderate Diversity" as of 2022. The neighborhood has a Black plurality (54%), with White (28%) and Hispanic (14%) populations. This racial composition, along with a median income of $41,545, indicates a community undergoing socio-economic change. Sharswood has experienced significant population fluctuations and income growth over the past decade.
Over the past decade, Sharswood has transitioned from a "Low Diversity" community with a clear Black majority to a more diverse neighborhood. In 2013, the neighborhood had a "Low Diversity" profile with 84% Black population. By 2022, this shifted to a "Moderate Diversity" status with a Black plurality. The White population increased from 8% in 2013 to 28% in 2022. The Hispanic population grew from 4% to 14% in the same period. This trend suggests a "Transitional Community" status, with increasing racial diversity over time.
The demographic shifts in Sharswood correlate with economic changes. The median income increased from $16,458 in 2013 to $41,545 in 2022, representing a 152% increase. This income growth coincides with the increasing diversity of the neighborhood. As the neighborhood became more diverse and affluent, its population decreased from 3,255 in 2013 to 2,366 in 2022. This could indicate a gentrification process where lower-income residents are being displaced by higher-income newcomers, potentially explaining both the income increase and population decrease.
The changes observed in Sharswood align with broader trends seen in many urban areas across the United States. Many cities have experienced similar patterns of neighborhood transition, often characterized by increasing diversity and rising incomes in historically Black neighborhoods.
The rapid income growth in Sharswood outpaces the national average. While the U.S. median household income grew by about 30% from 2013 to 2022, Sharswood's grew by 152%. This increase suggests targeted development or revitalization efforts in the area.
The demographic shift in Sharswood, particularly the increase in White and Hispanic populations, mirrors trends seen in other gentrifying neighborhoods across major U.S. cities. However, the retention of a Black plurality distinguishes Sharswood from fully gentrified areas, suggesting that the neighborhood is still in a transitional phase.
Sharswood exemplifies a neighborhood in flux, transitioning from a predominantly Black, low-income area to a more diverse, higher-income community. This transition brings both opportunities and challenges, potentially improving local economic conditions while raising concerns about displacement and community preservation. As Sharswood continues to evolve, balancing economic development with community retention will likely be a key challenge for local policymakers and residents.
